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King Charles III

Prince Charles helps couple celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary

For a retired Ayrshire couple who volunteer their time at a local hospice, their diamond wedding anniversary was made even more significant when a visit from The Prince of Wales coincided with their special day in December. 87-year-old George and 83-year-old Christine Milne not only received a letter from The Queen congratulating them on their 60th wedding anniversary; they also got to shake hands and chat with the first in line to the throne.

The Prince of Wales meeting Christine and George Milne, who are longstanding volunteers for the hospice. Photo: Ayrshire Hospice

Christine and George met when George was hospitalised for a case of appendicitis where Christine attended him. They married on December 21st, 1956. George worked as a biology teacher and Christine a nurse.

“It was a very special day,” George said of meeting the Prince. “I was telling Prince Charles this wasn’t the first we’d heard from royalty today as we received a letter from his mum, the Queen, that very morning!”

Christine added: “Meeting the Prince was fantastic — what a gentleman he was. It was definitely a day I will never forget.”

Part of their volunteer duties include greeting patients and their friends and family. They also provide assistance where ever it’s needed. Christine had this to say about their special day: “We couldn’t think of a better way to spend our day together, along with our friends at the Ayrshire Hospice. It’s incredible to look back over the years we’ve spent helping people here, so to celebrate this alongside our wedding anniversary was very special to us.

“I have to thank the Hospice for their kindness and for allowing George and I to continue helping as many people as we can.

“There is no great secret behind a happy marriage. It can be hard work but it’s so rewarding. Marriage has been a wonderful journey with my best friend by my side. The years just fly by and sometimes it feels like yesterday when we first met.

“We have a lot of love to give and we’ve loved working at the Hospice over the years. The staff and volunteers are amazing people and I couldn’t think of a better place to spend our special day.”

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