Prince Charles has lost weight, according to the regulars at the Michael Sobell Community Centre, in Golders Green.

They were able to make their judgement after being treated to a special visit by HRH the Prince of Wales on Tuesday morning.

The prince spent an hour at the day centre in Limes Avenue, run by Jewish Care, meeting and chatting with elderly members.

It is open to anyone living in the north west London area and aims to provide a warm and caring environment for the elderly.

And the prince was certainly impressed with what he saw. Lilly Century, a 77-year-old volunteer, said: "He told me that he thought the centre was absolutely marvellous."

Among the dignitaries present were Jewish Care chairman, Lord Levy, and Barnet Mayor Agnes Slocombe, on her last day in office.

They were introduced to Prince Charles as he arrived and the general consensus among members and volunteers was that he seemed thinner and appeared to be much taller than he looked on television.

Eva Domaine, 82, was one of the lucky members who spoke to the Prince. She said: "I wished him Shalom and he knew what it meant. He has such humility and he is ready to talk to anybody."

During the visit, the Prince saw the centre's art room where he spoke to 80-year-old Rachel Posner. She said: " I asked him how William and Harry were and he told me they were very energetic."

Prince Charles also found time to discuss his childhood recollections with members in the reminiscence room and visit the centre's grocery shop and hairdressing salon.

The visit ended at lunchtime but not before the Prince had sat with members in the dining room for a lemon tea and a chat.

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