THE Earl and Countess of Wessex are to visit the Wisdom Hospice in Rochester on Tuesday. Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, will officially open an extension to the hospice in St William's Way.

The extension, along with refurbishment work, was completed last year.

The royal couple, whose baby daughter Lady Louise Windsor was recently christened, will tour the hospice meeting patients, staff and volunteers.

They will also meet representatives from the contractors who worked on the extension project and patrons and supporters of the appeal behind the project.

Margaret Barker, chairman of the Friends of The Wisdom Hospice, said: "We are delighted that the Earl and Countess are coming to the hospice, it will be a tremendous boost to staff, patients and volunteers.

"We are also using the occasion as an opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the appeal."

The first royal visitors to the hospice were the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1984 for the official opening.