A ROYAL couple came face to face with the dark world of addiction during a whistle-stop tour of the New Forest yesterday.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Priory Hospital, Marchwood, where they were introduced to people battling alcoholism and other illnesses.

High-profile patients at the private psychiatric hospital have included entertainer Michael Barrymore and other celebrities.

The royal couple were greeted by Oliver Collins, ten, grandson of group medical director Dr Austin Tate, and Sophie Nott, daughter of Dr David Nott, the addictions treatment programme co-ordinator.

Prince Edward, 38, joked with the two schoolchildren and asked them: "Where have you escaped from today - or are you on half-term?"

Ex-patients waiting to greet the royal couple included Sian Husband, 40, of Brockenhurst, who was treated for alcoholism in 1998 and now works at the hospital as an addictions therapist.

She told the Daily Echo: "The hospital has a homely, welcoming atmosphere. When I arrived here as a patient I felt as if someone had put a blanket around my shoulders. The staff saved my life."

The royal visitors were also introduced to Susie Scorer, 45, of Portswood, Southampton, who is being treated for depression.

She said: "They asked me how long I'd been here and I explained that I was an out-patient who came in for regular check-ups.

The earl and countess also chatted to some of the hospital staff before opening a new extension to the addictions unit.

They had begun their tour of the Forest by visiting Hordle Walhampton School, near Lymington.

There the theatre-loving Earl, opened a new performing arts centre.

He told the pupils: "Having experienced some interesting facilities when I was at school I think this is really fantastic."

They then travelled to Sea Road, Milford-on-Sea, to tour a new health centre that serves 5,400 patients.