Camilla Meets Guide Dog Puppy

18 October 2012, 14:04 | Updated: 19 October 2012, 11:46

The Duchess of Cornwall and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh have celebrated the achievements of a selfless volunteer from Luton, as the royal returned to public duties after a brief illness.

The two women met Guide Dogs volunteer Madeline Mason, named as a Diamond Champion for her community work, and some of her four-legged friends being trained to help the visually impaired.

Camilla could not resist giving the puppies invited to Clarence House a cuddle as she learnt about Mrs Mason's work as a puppy walker - the first step in the training of a guide dog.

The royal reception on Thursday 18 October 2012 had been planned for the beginning of the month but a severe ear infection and sinusitis forced the Duchess to cancel the event.

But despite telling one of the guests she was not completely well - "I'm sorry if I'm a bit deaf, I've got bad sinusitis problems,'' Camilla said, pointing to her right ear - she soldiered on.

The Duchess and the singer posed for a picture with one boisterous puppy, with Mrs Mason, 65, in the middle holding Badger, a 15-week-old Labrador retriever.

Walsh, an ambassador for the Diamond Champions awards scheme that recognises the voluntary contributions of the over-60s, had the dog's tail wagging close to her face and joked with Camilla "you've got the best end'' as the puppy gave the royal's hand a lick.