PRINCESS KATE LEFT LOCALS DELIGHTED AS SHE KNOCKED ON A 94-YEAR-OLD’S DOOR — THEN HELPED HER ONTO THE COMMUNITY MINIBUS
THE PRINCESS OF WALES BROUGHT A VERY PERSONAL TOUCH TO HER LATEST ROYAL VISIT, HELPING AN ELDERLY RESIDENT FROM HER FRONT DOOR TO A COMMUNITY MINIBUS AS SHE CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF A VOLUNTEER SERVICE.
Catherine travelled to West Sussex on Wednesday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of West Sussex Minibus, a volunteer-led organisation that has become a vital lifeline for residents who struggle to access public transport.
Her first stop in picturesque Pulborough brought an especially touching moment.
The Princess arrived at the bungalow of 94-year-old Stella Drewett, a former school cook who relies on the service for her weekly shopping trips and visits to the local lunch club.
Wearing grey suit trousers, a pussybow blouse and a long wool coat, Catherine walked up to Stella’s front door and warmly greeted her with a simple:
“Good morning.”
She then helped Stella manoeuvre her walking frame along the garden path before accompanying her onto the minibus.
FROM ONE DOORSTEP TO A WEEKLY LUNCH CLUB
The journey continued through Pulborough as the minibus collected several more elderly passengers before arriving at the village hall.
For those who use the service, the weekly trip offers far more than transportation.
The lunch club provides a welcoming place where people can meet, chat and take part in activities — something that can become increasingly important for residents living in rural communities.
Catherine heard first-hand about what the service means to those who depend on it.
Speaking with Lord Lieutenant of Sussex Alex Dolby and volunteer Pippa Reid, she said:
“I can see how much this means to them.”
CATHERINE JOINS THE TABLES — AND THE LAUGHTER STARTS
Inside the village hall, the Princess moved from table to table, speaking with passengers and volunteers.
One conversation with 75-year-old Lynda Jones had Catherine laughing as the pair chatted about everything from crisps to washing up.
The Princess also offered a glimpse into family life, explaining that she and her husband are “a good double act” when it comes to getting help from their three children.
The relaxed exchange offered a glimpse of Catherine away from the formality of palace settings — sitting among local residents, listening to their stories and sharing a laugh.
THE VOLUNTEERS BEHIND THE 50-YEAR STORY
The West Sussex Minibus is entirely volunteer-led and exists to help people who may otherwise struggle to reach essential services or stay connected with their communities.
Its work is particularly important in rural areas, where limited public transport can make everyday journeys considerably more difficult.
For some residents, the minibuses provide a reliable connection to medical appointments, shopping, social activities and friends.
Catherine also spent time speaking with the drivers and volunteers whose commitment keeps the service running.
The organisation began 50 years ago in response to shrinking rural public transport.
What started with a single vehicle has since grown into a regional network operating 11 minibuses across eight village hubs, supported by 284 volunteers.
A ROYAL VISIT THAT STARTED AT THE FRONT DOOR
Before leaving, Catherine stopped to speak with a small crowd gathered outside after word of her visit had spread.
But perhaps the most memorable moment had happened much earlier — quietly, at Stella Drewett’s front door.
For a few minutes, the Princess of Wales was not simply celebrating a milestone.
She was helping one of the people the service was created to support, one careful step at a time.
And that small journey from a bungalow to a minibus captured exactly what the organisation’s 50 years of community service are all about.