Lynda Flynn was one of the mums on the ward when the then-Princess of Wales officially opened Liverpool Women’s Hospital
Lynda Flynn (R) gave birth to her daughter Claire (L) 30 years ago who has now just had son Levi
A Liverpool nan has revealed how her sleeping daughter missed out on the chance to be photographed with royalty when Princess Diana visited the city. This year marks three decades since the then-Princess of Wales came to Liverpool to officially open the city’s Women’s Hospital on Crown Street.
Dressed in a striking orange suit, Diana met with families and new mums at the L8 hospital before touring the Project Rosemary housing scheme back in 1995. She was an instant hit with the schoolchildren and parents who’d queued to meet her on her walkabout, weighing her down with flowers and gifts.
As with any Royal visit, interest was high among those in attendance and a tight lock was kept on access to the hospital. Lynda Flynn, from Garston, was among the new mothers on the ward where the Princess visited.
Lynda, 62, revealed however that her newborn daughter’s sleeping habits meant they missed out on a moment being captured for the ages of Diana holding the little one. Images from the opening ceremony visit 30 years ago caught the Princess with new babies.
Diana Princess of Wales unveiling a plaque at the opening of the Liverpool Women’s Hospital in November 1995
Reflecting on the Royal visit, Lynda said: “Princess Diana came in on September 7 to open the hospital officially. She was beautiful.
“We were in the first room she passed and if I’d have been stood up holding Claire, it would have been her she picked up. I was looking by the doorway and she only actually spoke to me because Claire was sleeping.
“She asked how I was, her weight and how the baby was doing.” The anniversary of the hospital is also proving to be a double celebration as Lynda revealed her daughter, 30, has just welcomed her first child Levi into the world at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital on October 30.
During her stay in the city, Princess Diana sat with families in the newly opened hospital which is celebrating its 30th birthday this weekend.
Diana Princess of Wales on her visit to officially open Liverpool Women’s Hospital pictured with Mother and new baby
It was her second visit to Liverpool in four years, having previously surprised children at Alder Hey Hospital in 1991 when she toured the site. Looking back on her experience, Lynda said she was taken aback by the Princess when they met during the opening ceremony in 1995.
She said: “None of the visitors were allowed in around that time. When I first saw her, my first impressions were ‘my god you’re tall,’ she was beautiful.
“The man who was with her was in military dress. She had this calming effect when she spoke, it was like talking to your sister.
“My other grandchildren were born there as well and when you see the bust of her in the hospital, I’m always reminded of it and think if only I’d have known what was going to happen to her.”
Following the Princess’ death in 1997, a sculpture of her likeness was donated to the hospital. It was unveiled by its former chair, Rosie Cooper. Diana’s visit to Liverpool was her final formal Royal engagement before her divorce from her husband, King Charles.