The couple repeatedly washed their hands with disinfectant

They repeatedly washed their hands with disinfectant as they toured St Austell Community Hospital on Friday.

As she disinfected her hands before meeting elderly patients, the Duchess said: "I hope everyone is doing this, it is very important."

The couple left Cornwall on Friday afternoon for the Isles of Scilly.

Rousing welcome

One of the patients the Duchess of Cornwall met was 92-year-old Audrey Vincent who said: "She is the first member of the Royal Family I have met. She was lovely, a very nice person."

Earlier, more than 200 schoolchildren waving Union Jacks and black and white Cornish flags welcomed the Royal couple to the hospital.

The prince, who is Duke of Cornwall, and his new bride were cheered by the youngsters from Charlestown Primary School as they arrived at the hospital.

The Royal couple were also given a rousing welcome by the Mount Charles brass band as they arrived.

The couple had a warm welcome on St Mary's

During their tour of the hospital, the couple opened the new Sir John English ward, a day assessment centre.

The duchess saw two of the hospital's award-winning "patter dogs", which some of the elderly patients have around them for "comfort and stimulation".

As she spoke to the patients, the duchess said: "It is such a good idea."

Later the prince opened the new arrivals lounge at the Isles of Scilly airport on St Mary's before travelling by boat to the island of St Agnes, which has a population of around 70.

The couple began their tour of the South West - the first to the region since their marriage last month - with a visit on Thursday to the Devon County Agricultural Show in Exeter and Restormel Castle in Cornwall.

As Duke of Cornwall, the prince is one of the biggest landowners in the South West.