Patient's posy from Duchess

The Duchess, wearing a long gold coat was delighted to be presented with a beautiful silk scarf made by patients of the Rose Hill hospice as the couple visited the site yesterday.

Selwyn Jones, six-year-old son of patient Josie Ferriman, presented her with a posy of white roses.

"She broke one off and gave it to my mummy," he said.

Patient Julie Hardisty was demonstrating pedalling using special equipment.

"The Duchess asked me how far I was going and said to have a good rest and a cup of tea when I got there," said the 44-year-old.

After a guided tour the Duke was honoured to place soil in the pot of a silver birch "tree of life", to be planted at the new site at Wildwood Drive, near County Hall, Worcester.

Before praising the good work of the hospice he said: "It's a great pleasure for my wife and I to come and join you on this happy and sunny day."

The Duchess then departed to open the new Kidderminster Treatment Centre while the Duke visited Worcester Cathedral.

He looked at the recently restored 12th Century Chapter House and met works manager Darren Steel, who talked to him about the stone masonry.

"We had a very nice conversation. He was very polite and had lovely mannerisms," said the 41-year-old.

Archaeologist Chris Guy added: "He was very pleasant and interested in the work."

The Duke looked at ancient mediaeval manuscripts in the library and visited the crypt.

Afterwards he went to the Guildhall and was treated to a performance of classical Asian dance by pupils of Dyson Perrins CE High School in Malvern and Worcester's Cranham Primary School, Warndon.

Dance teacher Yumuna Jaya said: "He said he enjoyed it and asked what type of dance it was."

He met president of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association and Worcester Central Mosque Muhammed Yousaf.

"He was such a nice bloke and a real gentleman," he said.

Muhidur Rahman, chairman of the Jalalabad Association, added: "It was a real pleasure to meet him."