The Queen's cousin officially opened the £6.4million building which welcomed its first patients earlier this year.

Alison Briant, director of quality and clinical governance at the hospice, said: "It was a magical visit. The sun was shining on our new building and lit up our magnificent gardens.

"There was an excited atmosphere, as he talked warmly and individually to patients, families and staff in the day hospice and the inpatient unit. Everyone felt honoured and will remember the visit as a truly momentous occasion."

It was also an exciting day for Eve O'Sullivan who cheekily asked for a kiss from the royal who tactfully declined.

The 79-year-old, who has been a patient at the hospice for three weeks, said: "I think he was a very nice man. It's a brilliant place here and the staff are excellent."

Derek Atkins, of Bedmond, visits the day hospice every Thursday and was having his hair cut in the hospice's salon when he met the Duke.

"I have been coming here for four years. The new hospice is like a five star hotel and this visit is lovely because it's something a bit different," he said.

To mark the official opening of the building the Duke unveiled a plaque and commended the staff and volunteers' hard work.

He said: "What a pleasure it has been to come here. I have been to a number of hospices and this one is really special - a huge co-operative effort.

"I have had a wonderful time and I do want to congratulate everyone for a wonderful job."

Also enjoying the day was Priscilla Coombs, one of the founders of the Hospice of St Francis in 1979.

She said she was pleased to see the Duke opening the new building and said it was a testament to all the hard work by all those involved.

Several local dignitaries, including the mayors of Berkhamsted, Tring and Dacorum as well as chairman of Northchurch council, Alan Fantham, David Gauke the MP for South West Herts and the chief executive of Dacorum Borough Council, Daniel Zammit, also welcomed the royal.

l To see a slide show of the Duke's go to our website at www.hemeltoday.co.uk