PRINCE Philip made a fleeting visit to Devizes today to open the new Hayward Care Centre before travelling back to Windsor Castle by helicopter in time for lunch with the Queen.

He was given a tour around the £8m home in Corn Croft Lane, which opened in January, to meet with residents, staff and several councillors.

The hot topic of the visit was about his new great-granddaughter Princess Charlotte, however, the Duke of Edinburgh told the home’s eldest resident, 103-year-old Lillian Brader, he had not yet met the baby but has seen lots of pictures.

The 93-year-old prince was greeted by civic dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire Sarah Troughton and the High Sherriff of Wiltshire Lady Gooch as well as Devizes Mayor Sarah Bridewell.

Members of the Rifles Regiment also went through their paces for him before he was led around the 80-bed care home by the Colonel-in-Chief’s Bugler from The Rifles.

During the 40 minute visit The Duke of Edinburgh watched residents taking part in a game of curling, observed some baking and had a sip of Wadworth’s beer before unveiling a presentation plaque and signing the guest book.

Outside a small crowd gathered, including youngsters wearing paper crowns, eager to catch a glimpse and snap a picture of him.

The care home is named after war veteran Reginald Hayward, who served in the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, and was awarded the Victoria Cross and two Military Crosses. Over the years the Wiltshire Regiment has been incorporated into what is now The Rifles regiment in which Prince Philip is Colonel in Chief.

Dan Hayle, operations manager of the Orders of St John Care Trust, the charity which runs the home, said: “It’s a really fantastic connection that Prince Philip has with Reginald Hayward.

“The excitement around Prince Philip coming has been amazing. We are absolutely delighted he was interested enough to come today. It’s fabulous for the residents of the home and staff that work here and for the local residents as well.

“We had to keep it under wraps until quite near to the time and I think because of that when we told people, initially they didn’t really believe us.

“But since it’s sunk in it’s been absolutely wonderful and because Princess Charlotte has been born over the weekend, they was already lots of activity and interest.”

Mr Hayle added: “In one of the speeches the chairman introduced him and all Prince Philip said was ‘pay attention because you’re about to watch the most experienced plaque-opener in the world'. He was in really good form.”

Hayward Care Centre replaced two existing care homes, Anzac House and Southfield. It offers specialist dementia care and includes a salon, team room and many other features. A new wing is also set to open later this year.