Residents and workers at a care home for former navy crew members were given a morale boost after receiving a letter from the Royal Family.

Prince Charles wrote to Pembroke House in Gillingham to extend his admiration to staff "keeping the home open, despite everything".

In his letter, which he signed simply as "Charles", the patron of the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust, expressed how he was "immensely proud" of workers operating in difficult circumstances.

The former orphanage turned care home was set up in 1952 and looks after up to 55 ex sailors, marines and their partners.

It comes as industry figures suggested last week the death toll for residents at care homes across the country is believed to be higher than first reported.

The Prince of Wales had tested positive for the virus himself but has since come out of self-isolation.

He expressed his sympathies with everyone at the home struggling to deal with the "huge challenges" and "appalling pressures".

"As your patron, I have nothing but the greatest sympathy for the predicament you face and the many difficult decisions and circumstances that have to be managed," he said.

"Above all, I am certain you will be doing your utmost to maintain the essential elements of the care and service you provide to so many vulnerable people who depend upon you, and of which I am so immensely proud as your patron."

The heir to the throne added: "I want you to know, therefore, that I can well imagine the appalling pressures you have suddenly and unexpectedly been put under and that my heart goes out to you and your families during the coming weeks and months of such hideous uncertainty."

The messages have since been posted around the home and workers say they have been a great moral boost to both staff and residents.

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