Britain's Countess of Wessex was reduced to tears yesterday (18.03.14) when she met the midwives who saved her life.
The 49-year-old royal broke down as she visited Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey and met the medical staff who delivered her daughter Lady Louise Windsor in November 2003.
The countess was rushed to hospital at eight months pregnant and had an emergency caesarean section after suffering a placental abruption, which caused her to lose a dangerous amount of blood.
During a speech yesterday, she said: "Thank you for inviting me here, it is good to be back in happier circumstances.
"On behalf of the thousands of families you have helped I would like to say thank you and congratulations on raising the money for this fantastic facility.
"The service you provide is paramount and can literally make the difference between life and death, I can attest to that. It is rare to have the opportunity to thank people for the huge difference they have made at an important time in your life so I am so pleased to be here and to be able to say thank you in person."
Sophie was back at the NHS hospital to open a new neonatal unit, where she got to meet new mothers and their babies.
The visit is the first time she's returned to the hospital since she delivered her son Viscount Severn in 2007.
A royal aide said: "It was the first time Her Royal Highness had been to the baby unit since having the children and it clearly brought back some memories."
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