kmilanian@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Prince of Wales will be visiting former sailors, marines and their wives and widows in Gillingham next week.

The Prince, who is patron of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, will be going to Pembroke House, in Oxford Road, on Tuesday, June 9, to meet those who use the residential and nursing home.

Jo Trembeth, the centre manager, said everyone was looking forward to the visit.

She said: "We are very excited, all the residents know and have reacted very well.

"It is the first time we have had a royal visit since Princess Marina opened the centre in 1953."

The home was originally built in the 1920s but was modernised in 2000 and has 84 staff providing 24-hour service to its 50 residents.