Maidenhead & Windsor

Windsor's newest care home for frail older people will be officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on Friday February 29 2008.

Queen's Court, built on the site of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's old Warden's Lodge residential home in Dedworth Road, is the result of a successful three-way partnership – commissioned by the council, developed by Windsor Housing at a cost of £4.5 million and now run by Central & Cecil Housing Care Support.

The Queen and Prince Philip will tour the 62-bed home and meet some of the 31 residents who are already enjoying the benefits of living in the light, modern, well-equipped complex, supported by high quality care.

Built by Castleoak Construction, the Windsor and Maidenhead three-storey home offers 40 nursing care beds as well as 18 full-time, two interim and two respite residential places. There is also a range of spacious communal areas which give residents the opportunity to enjoy each other's company as well as that of visiting family and relatives.

Cllr David Burbage, leader of the Royal Borough, said everyone involved in the Queen's Court partnership was thrilled that the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh had agreed to officially open the home.

He said: "The royal opening is the icing on the cake of an incredibly successful partnership project that is providing a wonderful new care home for the Windsor area. Queen's Court is on the site of the council's old Warden's Lodge so there is a fine tradition of quality care already established here – but by working with Windsor Housing and Central & Cecil we have created new opportunities to meet the needs of our community, particularly in light of the borough's growing population of older residents. I am confident this new home will be a centre of excellent care for some of the most vulnerable people in our area."

Peter Coleman, chair of Windsor Housing, said: "We are delighted that the Queen and Prince Philip have honoured us by agreeing to officially open our new care home. Their visit of will be a treasured memory for the new residents as they settle into this state-of-the-art home. We are very proud of Queen's Court and the successful partnership working that has seen it built and put into operation. This scheme provides a high level of care for Windsor's older people in a homely environment."

Dorry McLaughlin, chief executive of Cecil Houses, said: "We are honoured that the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will be opening our new home. We are confident that we have a building and care service which is truly fit for the 21st century. I am sure it will be a vital community resource offering care and support to the people of Windsor for many years to come."

Residents at Queen's Court are offered care that includes leisure and therapeutic activities to enhance their quality of living and ensure their day-to-day lives are active and interesting. There will be outings for shopping and to enjoy the river and the countryside, as well as trips to the pub, local restaurants and theatres.

Some of the residents already living at Queen's Court are enjoying ceramic mosaic classes led by a local artist, and are working on a project with a Windsor theme. Examples of their work will be on display for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to see during their visit.

When the royal couple arrive at Queen's Court they will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Sir Philip Wroughton. Among those to meet the royal couple on their arrival will be Lady Wroughton; High Sheriff of the Royal County Harry Henderson and his wife Sarah; the Mayor and Mayoress of the Royal Borough, Cllr Leo and Mrs Margot Walters; David Lunn, chief executive of the Royal Borough and his wife Ruby, and Roseanne Ince, manager of Queen's Court.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead