Two members of the BrendonCare Alton care home team had a royal appointment at Westminster Abbey.

Carer Olga Palmer and well-being co-ordinator Mary Denman represented the home at the Together at Christmas televised carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales.

Seated in the choir stalls, Olga and Mary had a unique vantage point as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked past with their three children, followed by other members of the royal family.

In a letter to all guests representing charities, the Princess of Wales wrote: “The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.”

Mary said: “From our seats we were the first in our section to have our candles lit by a steward, then we turned to our neighbour to share the light, and very quickly the whole of the abbey was filled with candlelight.

“That was a moving and symbolic gesture, of how sharing the small acts of light with others disperses the darkness.”

Calling it a “truly memorable occasion” which neither her nor Olga would ever forget, she added: “Thank you again to everyone involved in making this possible for myself and Olga. It was such a wonderful experience for us.”