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A retired nurse who worked in Caerphilly during her career has been hailed as “truly magnificent” by King Charles.

Carol Dight was one of three nurses from Wales to visit Windsor Castle on February 11, where her contribution to south Wales’ nursing and care sector was recognised.

The visit came after Carol, who worked for HC-One Wales for nine years before retiring last August, won two gold awards at last year’s Wales Care Awards. She won an award for Leadership and Management in small groups or supported living, as well as the Spirit of Care Award.

Carol was joined at the castle by members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, MPs, and celebrities including Kate Garraway and Colleen Rooney.

The former nurse described the “truly humbling” experience as beyond anything she could have imagined.

Speaking of her family’s excitement at her invite, she said: “I had strict instructions to send photos as quickly as possible, which I did. My whole family have really celebrated it. They are amazed and thrilled.  

“It was a real privilege to be selected and just to be there representing the care sector.

“It is not about me really, it is about all the people who I have worked with and the carers that do such an amazing job looking after our residents.” 

During her visit, Carol received warm comments from Queen Camilla, who spoke to her about her passion for care, and from the Prime Minister – who personally thanked her for her work. 

Reflecting fondly on her time in social care, Carol said she entered the sector late in her career, expecting it to be temporary – but she quickly discovered how rewarding it was.

Becoming a home manager for HC‑One turned out to be, in her words, “the best job I ever had,” and she said she loved every minute of working in social care. 

Carol was joined at the event by Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales. Mr Kreft said: “It was a big thrill… it’s like a coming of age for the awards.” 

He also added this was the first time an evening organised with care organisations had involved the Royal Family.  

“The King said to us it was the first time they had done anything like this,” said Mr Kreft. “It was an occasion befitting the value of social care workers and carers in our society. Everybody in Wales who works in the profession can be justifiably proud.”