One of Demelza’s Lead Nurses was among guests who were invited to meet King Charles on his recent visit to Kent.

His Majesty visited the county on Thursday, the first time since his coronation in May 2023.

During his visit, he took part in a community beach clean in Deal and met with RNLI crew and volunteers at Walmer Lifeboat Station, where he watched a lifeboat launch.

He also went to Walmer Castle, which is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Representatives from the 14 towns which make up the Confederation of Cinque Ports had been invited, including the Mayor of Winchelsea.

The Mayor is a long-term supporter of Demelza and had invited Melissa Mungovan, Demelza’s Lead Nurse for East Sussex, to represent the East Sussex team.

Melissa said they had all assembled and watched as the castle’s flag was raised to show a Royal in residence, before King Charles arrived in a helicopter.

Everyone in attendance had been asked to submit a short bio, and Melissa said he noticed her Demelza lanyard and recalled she was a nurse.

She said: “The Mayor of Winchelsea and his wife are long-term supporters of Demelza so they chose to invite us along which was a real honour.

“Walmer Castle is just beautiful – the grounds are stunning.

“King Charles went round all the people that were there and spoke to everybody. I wore my Queen’s Nurse badge and explained to him that I’m one of three Queen’s Nurses in the East Sussex team and we spoke about Demelza and the services we offer and how we support children and families.

“He was very lovely and so personable. It was an amazing opportunity and a really special day.”

Demelza East Sussex