Duchess of Cornwall greeted by sunshine and cheerful crowds

And if you came down to the building's 75th anniversary photograph party on Bank Holiday Monday, your face could now be among those set to hang on a wall in Buckingham Palace.

Camilla, the building's president, toured exhibitions before returning to the Education Block where she laid a plaque on her last visit in May 2006.

Children from Sidley and Pebsham Primary Schools waited in the sunshine to greet the Duchess, who told the waiting crowds she was: "glad to be back in Bexhill".

June Bell, 83, of Magdalene Road, presented Camilla with a bouquet outside the entrance, saying afterwards that she had been "a pleasure" to talk to.

Dignitaries including Earl and Lady De La Warr and Lord Lieutenant of Sussex Peter Field shook hands with the Duchess before she looked around Tomoko Takahashi's retrospective exhibition and Anthony Gormley's rooftop show.

Confronted with the mixture of modern sculpture and installations, Camilla maintained a graceful smile, and appeared to enjoy herself throughout.

Speaking to George Korner, a 100-year-old guest and a distant relative of Serge Chermayeff, one of the Pavilion's original architects, Camilla said she remembered meeting him last time, and was glad to see him looking well (pictured below right).

"What's the secret of your youth?" she asked.

George, of Lewes, described Camilla as "very charming", and repeated his reply: "A glass of red wine each day. And no more.

"I still continue to this day having one glass of red wine."

Sara Stoner, vice chair of the De La Warr Pavilion, presented Camilla with a print of the picture taken at the De La Warr's bank holiday 75th anniversary party, and asked her to cut a chocolate cake.

"I'm thrilled it's a better day than your visit in 2006," said Sara.

"This place is an overwhelming success and continues to bring joy to the people of Bexhill.

"Ten years ago this was a very sad building in need of restoration. The whole place is now flying high.

Chairman of Rother District Council Robert Elliston added: "The flags are flying, the sea is beautiful and this is a lovely day for Bexhill."

Rother chief executive Derek Stevens, who met the Duchess on her last visit, described Camilla as charming and appproachable: "It's great she's chosen to be president of a building Rother contributes so much to.

"This is a great visit for Bexhill, and a key part of the building's anniversary year. It is another thing to prove Bexhill is the country's number one seaside town."

Chief Constable of Sussex Police Martin Richards said it was his first visit to the Pavilion.

"It's one of the delights of the job. You get to come to some beautiful places and meet some wonderful people. It's great for Sussex."