Prince Charles visits Kirkcaldy in 1985

As he chatted to both residents and staff, his visit over-ran schedule by 45 minutes, but he still spared time for an impromptu walkabout among the hundreds of spectators who had been gathering outside on Meldrum Road for over three hours.

The Prince, who was patron of the Abbeyfield Society, was visiting the house to officially open a £300,000 extra care unit.

He unveiled a plaque in the new wing, which has accommodation for 14 elderly men and women, and which took in its first residents in December 1984.

The Prince arrived at 1.15pm to be greeted by local councillors, Kirkcaldy MP Harry Gourlay and Christine Hall, chairman of the Abbeyfield (Kirkcaldy) Society.

After a tour of the facility, the Prince paid tribute to the “incredibly hard work” done by a large number of people in raising the money to build the Extra Care unit.

“I have been most intrigued looking around this House,” he said.

“One of the things I enjoy very much about going to Abbeyfield Houses is seeing how each local Society manages its affairs.”

The Prince went on: “It has been drawn to my attention that in the course of the last 29 years, Abbeyfield Societies throughout the country have displayed singular independence of mind and spirit, which is a very good thing.

“It has become accepted that these extra care facilities are an important aspect of the Abbeyfield service, and it is something that is going to be even more significant in the future as people live longer and we all become frailer.

“I was extremely impressed by Mrs Hall’s methods for maintaining movement and fitness among the residents.

“I would like to congratulate Mrs Hall on the way in which she runs this establishment, and all her assistants on the great care that they take.

“I know you will all ensure that this Abbeyfield will go from strength to strength.”

After officially declaring the Extra Care House open, the Prince was presented with two stuffed toys handmade by care assistant Mary Walton – a blue and white elephant for Prince Harry, and a brown teddy bear for Prince William.

As he left the building, Prince Charles was greeted with cheers from the crowd on Meldrum Road.

The Prince caused momentary confusion amongst his entourage as he headed off on foot to speak to some of the hundreds of people pressing against the temporary barriers lining the road.

Before finally getting into his car, Prince Charles also had a word with some nurses and patients who had come across from the unit for the frail and elderly at nearby Forth Park Hospital.

Speaking afterwards on the visit, Mrs Hall said: “It was a marvellous day for everybody.

“We were delighted to find that His Royal Highness conducted his visit in such a personal and informal manner, and stayed 45 minutes over the scheduled time.

“As far as the residents are concerned, it is something they will remember for a very long time.”