Hundreds of people are devastated at the news the Duchess of Cornwall has cancelled three engagaments in Wiltshire on Friday after being struck down by bronchitis.

It was announced to organisers of the events within the last hour that Camilla will not be attending ceremonies to mark the official opening of Bellefield Primary School in Trowbridge and the opening of Box pavilion. She has also cancelled a visit to Kington St Michael to visit people helped by Community First.

Clarence House said the Duchess will reschedule when she is better.

Staff at Bellefield Primary School were devastated when they heard the news, but plan to carry on with their opening ceremony on Friday, as West Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison and the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Rev Stephen Conway will still be attending.

Headteacher Steve Wigley said: "We are deflated here, we feel pretty flat. After all the planning and everything we are still going ahead with the day just without Her Royal Highness. Hopefully she will visit us in the near future.

"I think the children are going to be devastated when we tell them. They have been practising the Bellefield Song especially for the ceremony and for the Duchess to see."

Camilla was due to tour around the school and nursery before unveiling a plaque.

Box Parish Council has postponed the event due to be held at Box Pavilion, with most of the villagers planning to line the streets for her arrival.

Parish clerk Margaret Carey said: "It is quite disappointing for this to happen after a month of rushing around getting the final touches ready but it can't be helped.

"There is nothing major to sort out apart from changing the date on the plaque for when she is better.

"We expect that she will visit sometime in May."

A spokesperson from Clarence House has confirmed that the Duchess of Cornwall is unable to attend the three events planned for Wiltshire on Friday but will reschedule when she has recovered from her illness.