A once-in-a-lifetime visit from royalty sparked a picturesque youth hostel into life this morning.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh graced the YHA South Downs hostel in Beddingham, near Newhaven, to officially open the new £5 million centre.
The Royal couple arrived at the serene centre by car at around 11am before being taken on a guided tour of its facilities, including ‘glamping’ pods and new youth accommodation.
Dressed in a majestic pink coat and hat, Her Majesty spoke with volunteers and staff before officially unveiling a special plaque that commemorated the YHA South Downs opening.
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Prince Philip took particular interest in the ‘glamping’ pods – also known as glamorous camping - before quizzing children about mosquitoes.
He asked: “Is there much trouble with mosquitoes when you’re sleeping in there?”
But Her Majesty was soon correcting him.
“Not at this time of year there won’t be,” she laughed.
Hundreds of well-wishers and spectators lined the entrance to the centre, with flags waving, cheering and clapping in abundance.
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