THERE was a Royal feel at Basingstoke hospital this afternoon as the Duke of Cambridge visited the facility to learn more about a scheme supported by his Royal Foundation.

Prince William was greeted by dozens of nurses outside the hospital before being shown around the ward corridors to see how military personnel and veterans who now work in healthcare as part of the Step Into Health programme are getting on. 

The scheme, supported by the Royal Foundation of which Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry are patrons, aims to recognise the transferable skills possessed by those in the military - which can be useful for a career in the NHS.

As the Duke of Cambridge stopped to chat to patients and staff he joked that he unintentionally brought a hospital to a standstill. 

During his visit the Prince spoke to 72-year-old Ken Morgan and Alison Perks, 73, he joked:"I'm sorry I brought the hospital to a standstill today, it wasn't my intention.

"I hope you're not waiting for anything important."

Mr Morgan, who said he was happy to have met the Duke, replied: "You're the only thing that's important."

Prince William also spoke to seven-year-old Anna Kape who was in for an X-ray after breaking her arm when she slipped at school.

Her mother Stephanie said: "We had no idea he would be here. It was very unexpected but great that he stopped to speak to Anna." 

William met with ex-military who are now working in healthcare thanks to the Step into Health Scheme. 

The programme provides placements in sectors ranging from catering to administration as well as clinical roles.