The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met a hospital’s new four-legged recruit when they visited to thank staff for their work throughout the pandemic. William and Kate made friends with 10-week-old cockapoo Alfie at Clitheroe Community Hospital after travelling to Lancashire on Thursday. The pup, who licked William’s cheek, will be trained to support patients and colleagues at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust alongside therapy dog Jasper. Kate described the pup as “so sweet” but, after enjoying a cuddle, added: “Our dog is going to be very upset.”The couple also met GPs, nurses, and patients at the hospital. Director of operations Catriona Logan said the duchess was “really interested” to know how the pandemic had been for staff.

Source: The Times January 20, 2022 15:40 UTC