DOROTHY House Hospice in Winsley had the honour of welcoming Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to celebrate 50 years of hospice care.

HRH Princess Anne met with Hospice staff, volunteers and supporters to commemorate and thank them for the care they have provided to more than 75,000 people since the Hospice was founded by Prue Dufour in 1976.

The Princess Royal also spoke to patients, their families, supporters and local dignitaries.

The visit comes just two weeks after the Care Quality Commission confirmed it was extending Dorothy House’s ‘Outstanding’ rating, following its January 2026 inspection.

Chief executive at Dorothy House, Wayne de Leeuw, said: “Our 50th anniversary is an incredible moment to remember the more than 75,000 lives and deaths supported in that time, to celebrate the people who helped make that possible and to recognise the vital role that Dorothy House and its many partners play in the provision of end of life care and will continue to play in the years ahead.

HRH Princess Anne spoke to staff and volunteers at the hospice which has provided care to 75,000 people since opening in 1976.
HRH Princess Anne spoke to staff and volunteers at the hospice which has provided care to 75,000 people since opening in 1976. (Suzy Slemen Photography)

“The recent extension of our CQC ‘Outstanding’ rating is testament to the dedication, care and compassion that our workforce demonstrates every day.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO said: “It is a great privilege to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Dorothy House Hospice as the organisation marks its remarkable 50th anniversary year.

“For five decades, Dorothy House has provided outstanding care, compassion and dignity to thousands of patients and families across Wiltshire, often at the most difficult moments in their lives.

“This visit recognises not only the Hospice’s extraordinary history and continuing service to the community, but also the dedication and professionalism of its staff and volunteers, whose kindness and commitment make such a profound difference every day.”