THE Princess Royal began a two-day visit yesterday by opening the new day surgery unit at the General Hospital.

Her Royal Highness spent an hour happily talking to patients, including youngsters who were waiting to have teeth out in the dental unit and adults undergoing treatment for cataracts in the eye unit. From the hospital, the princess journeyed up to Trinity to visit the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, of which she is the patron and an enthusiastic supporter. She has been a regular visitor over the years and on this occasion heard about plans for a new gorilla complex to improve facilities. The president of the trust, Robin Rumboll, said: ‘Durrell is one of her favourite spots, and she loves coming here. She is a great ambassador for the organisation.’ Today the princess was officially opening the new St Clement’s School and visiting St John Ambulance headquarters before leaving the Island this afternoon.