Prince William and Kate chat to residents of Bexhill Royal British Legion home on VE Day

Residents at The Royal British Legion Poppy Home Mais House in Bexhill were treated to a Skype call from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last week during their VE Day 75 party celebrations.

Residents informed the Royals about what life was like during VE Day and what the end of the war meant to them personally.

Mais House manager Susan Barnes told William and Kate about how proud she was of all of the residents and also of her staff for making sure that Mais House remains free from the Covid-19 virus and for putting on a party fit for heroes.

Prince William asked Charles Ward about his role during the Second World War and Charles replied that, “I was a Special Operations Executive and sent messages to Winston Churchill”.

Mais House in East Sussex is one of The Royal British Legion’s Care Homes. Like every one of the Legion's Care Homes, we are exclusive to the Armed Forces community and their dependents.

Mais House is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac just a few miles from the sea in the picturesque coastal town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. They have a regular minibus service into Bexhill-On-Sea where residents can enjoy a walk along the seafront, a spot of shopping, or enjoy a drink and good food at one of the bars, cafes and restaurants. They also offer trips out to places of interest in the Sussex area such as Brighton or Eastbourne as well as farther afield such as trips to London. SUS-200104-113027001 — Mais House in East Sussex is one of The Royal British Legion’s Care Homes. Like every one of the Legion's Care Homes, we are exclusive to the Armed Forces community and their dependents. Mais House is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac just a few miles from the sea in the picturesque coastal town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. They have a regular minibus service into Bexhill-On-Sea where residents can enjoy a walk along the seafront, a spot of shopping, or enjoy a drink and good food at one of the bars, cafes and restaurants. They also offer trips out to places of interest in the Sussex area such as Brighton or Eastbourne as well as farther afield such as trips to London. SUS-200104-113027001 | Michael Clement

Charles also had links with Kate’s own grandmother who was at Bletchley and Charles added: “We were always in touch with Bletchley.”

Another resident spoke of staying in contact over video calls with her family.

Lee Owen, of Mais House, said: “They were all at ease in William and Kate’s presence as it was made very clear that the residents were the real stars of the show.

“Prince William told them that, ‘Everyone is thinking of you and is very proud of all that you have achieved’.”

Lee added: “Staff at Mais House decorated the entire home and threw a huge party to say thank you for all of the sacrifices our residents have made throughout their lives.

Lee said: “The residents at Mais House are being looked after 24/7 by a dedicated frontline team who are working tirelessly to enrich the lives of our beneficiaries.

Residents are keeping in contact with their relatives through Skype and are receiving pictures from children and letters of support from the public daily.

“The residents would like to thank everybody who has written a letter or sent in a picture.

“There is also lots to look forward to each week as social-distancing entertainers, such as an opera singer, county and western singer and keyboard player) are performing on the patio or in the garden.

“Exercise sessions involving both residents and staff are taking place to keep joints mobile and morale high and colourful rainbows adorn windows.”