Cotswold GP praises 'fantastic Royal patients' (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cotswold GP praises 'fantastic Royal patients'

COTSWOLD GP David Mitchell likes to offer all his patients a service fit for a king.

But the Cirencester doctor received the red carpet treatment himself recently for his services to a real future monarch.

Dr Mitchell, who is senior partner at the town's Park Surgery, has been Prince Charles' family GP for the last 15 years.

During that time he has also cared for princes William and Harry and was GP to Princess Diana.

Now, in recognition of his services, he has been named a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by the Queen in her birthday honours.

And he travelled to Buckingham Palace earlier this month to receive the award.

He said: "I've looked after the family since Prince Charles broke his arm playing polo 15 years ago.

"They've been absolutely fantastic - the prince has been an absolute joy to work for.

"When Cirencester Hospital was under threat, he did a fantastic amount to try and keep it going."

Dr Mitchell arrived in Cirencester in 1972 and joined the Park surgery in 1978.

He is also well-known in the community for his work at the hospital.

However, the LVO award is in direct recognition of his services to the Royal family and he took his wife Sara and children Zoe and Piers along to the palace ceremony two weeks ago.

He said: "The previous family doctor retired and I was asked if I would take over.

"It's been like a fairy story for me really to be involved - a real privilege."