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British RoyalsThe Sussexes

Duchess of Sussex visits Royal Variety Charity retirement home

The Duchess of Sussex visited Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity’s residential nursing and care home in Twickenham in London this morning to bring some Christmas cheer to retired entertainers. Brinsworth House accommodates up to 36 residents. The house was built in 1850 and houses a number of lounges, a bar, a library, a restaurant and even has its own theatre. The decorations represent many of the retired entertainers who have supported the Royal Variety Charity.

Last month, the Duchess and her husband Prince Harry attended the annual Royal Variety show, one of the biggest fundraisers for charity.

The charity’s chairman, Giles Cooper, said of the visit today: “The timing of the visit is fantastic as it comes a few weeks after the Royal Variety performance which she attended with Prince Harry. And it comes after her wedding, which all the residents here were watching. We had the television on, Union Jack bunting up and a party atmosphere – so it’s nice to have the bride here.” He also added that he believed that the Duchess’s work as an actress would make her more relatable to the residents.

For her visit this morning, the Duchess chose a white floral dress from Brock Collection. She paired it with a grey coat from Soia and Kyo, and a nude clutch and heels.

During her visit, Meghan sang Christmas carols and took part in craft sessions with the residents. She made a bauble-shaped Christmas decoration, on which she signed her name in red. She was seen chatting to Mona Hammond who played Blossom Jackson in EastEnders in the 1990s and Richard O’Sullivan, star of 1970s sitcoms Man About the House and Robin’s Nest.

Among famous entertainers who have been cared for at Brinsworth House are Sir Norman Wisdom, Dame Thora Hird and EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham.