Home transformed into palace for Queen's jubilee

Residents at a Windsor care home dined like kings and queens after being given a platinum jubilee surprise to remember.

Residents at Care UK’s Mountbatten Grange received the royal treatment when they woke up to find their home had been transformed into a regal residency fit for a queen.

The surprise came as the home geared up to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee, a milestone many residents, some of whom worked at Windsor Castle in their younger years, were excited to mark.

After being told in the morning to ‘dress to impress’ for a special surprise, residents were greeted by team members dressed as the Queen’s Guard, before being led down the newly-laid red carpet for a royal knees-up.

The home’s usual coffee shop had been transformed into Buckingham Palace. Red drapes, royal portraits, a fireplace and decorations adorned the home – with a giant throne taking centre stage for residents to be crowned royalty for a day.

The home’s talented head chef, Mohamed Taghouti, prepared a themed afternoon tea, featuring sandwiches, cakes and scones for residents to enjoy.

Staff with Marcel le Corgi, who paid a visit to the home 

And keen for residents to experience a true taste of palace life, the home also welcomed Marcel Le Corgi, who made a grand entrance – greeting Mountbatten’s new royal family with his wagging tail and friendly bark.

Resident Kathleen Lewis, said: “We knew nothing about what was going on – it was all done so secretly. I thought it was fantastic. It was quite a surprise!”

Debbie Winwood, home manager at Mountbatten Grange, says: “We had such a wonderful time celebrating the Queen’s platinum jubilee with our secret royal transformation. Here at Mountbatten Grange, we base our activities and special events on residents likes and interests and are always looking for new and exciting ways to support residents lead fulfilling lives.

"We have many royalists living here, especially being so close to Windsor Castle, and knew how keen they would be to celebrate the platinum jubilee, which is why we decided to celebrate in style. Nobody could believe it, especially when they saw us all dressed up as the Queen’s Guard and Marcel le Corgi running in. We had so much fun, and we’re already planning our next big surprise for residents to enjoy. Just like the jubilee – this was certainly a memorable day and one which we will remember for many years to come.”

It came as homes around the country marked the jubilee weekend, organising events, special menus, afternoon teas and celebrations with loved ones.

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