A POWYS woman has spoken of her delight after a chance meeting with the Duchess of Edinburgh on Tuesday. 

Cathy Hands, 73, and from Machynlleth, is a spinal patient at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Hospital in Gobowen, near Oswestry in Shropshire.

Cathy, formerly of Birmingham but now living in mid Wales, was attending a routine appointment at the orthopaedic hospital when she asked her consultant why there were so many people on site.

He told her that Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was here to open a new orthopaedic treatment centre for veterans, she hoped to catch a glimpse of her as she passed.

But when Princess Sophie jumped out of the car to meet local youngsters right next to where Cathy was standing, she took the impromptu chance to shake Her Royal Highness’s hand.

She said: “I’m absolutely over the moon – I’m a Royalist through and through and always have been.

“I didn’t know she was going to be here as I’d only come as a patient.

“I can tell my family that I’ve shaken her hand – it’s really made my day.”

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The moment was caught on camera by interested onlookers and Cathy now has a small token of the event. 

Meanwhile, Arlene Baker, also from mid Wales, was visited by the Princess and spoke to her about her latest knee replacement.

She added that the pair also talked about Arlene's time in the armed forces stationed in Germany.

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She said: “She asked me about my knee and we were talking about how my family can’t visit at the drop of the hat so it’s great to be here with other veterans.

“She was interested in how long I’ve been here. She was lovely and spoke to the veterans, and we spoke about my work as an admin in the RAF hospital in Germany. 

“It was a real pleasure.”