A 'funny' and 'mischievous' care home resident from Kingston recently celebrated her 100th birthday and received a royal greeting from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Isobel MacKenzie Smith, a resident at Galsworthy House Nursing Home, Kingston Hill, celebrated the milestone on 12th May 2023 surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren amongst other well-wishers. 

Isobel was born in Paris where she spent her childhood before moving to Norfolk. Her father was Knighted for helping Prince Philip, former Duke of Edinburgh and his family flee from Greece.

The 100-year-old was a nurse during the war in the UK, India and Sri Lanka. The wife of a British Council Officer, Isobel and their four children would often move around depending on where her husband was posted. She most recently lived in Winchester but has also lived in Jamaica, Syria, Turkey, India, Czech Republic, and Australia.

The former nurse's 100th birthday celebration was one to remember, with her daughter flying in from Australia, her son giving a fantastic rendition of Happy Birthday on the trumpet and a delicious afternoon tea and cake provided by the talented chefs at the home.

Isobel also received letters from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, and Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham wishing her a happy birthday.

Eva Trochim, Home Manager at Galsworthy House and her team ensured Isobel had a wonderful day of celebrations, said: "Isobel is much loved at Galsworthy, she has fantastic sense of humour, always making jokes and funny comments, and is often seen getting up to mischief."

Galsworthy House offers residential care, nursing care and dementia care. To find out more or to visit the home, click the link here, or call the team on 0808 223 5506.