HIS Royal Highness Prince Charles officially opened Central Middlesex Hospital today 26 years after he was last there.

He spent two hours speaking to patients and staff before unveiling a plaque in the lobby of the hospital, in Park Royal, which became fully operational last spring.

Prince Charles was shown around the Rainbow Children's Centre before moving onto the A&E department, The Rehabilitation Centre and the Gladstone Ward.

He formally opened the hospital at midday, saying: "I very much enjoyed going round the hospital this morning.

"I want to say how impressed I have been by all the staff who work so hard and devotedly to keep the hospital running so efficiently and effectively."