She invited members of the WI to join her at Llwynywermod in Myddfai, near Llandovery, to discuss how they might use their legendary fundraising prowess to help Maggie’s care for more people with cancer.

The all-female gathering saw members of the Myddfai and Carmarthenshire WI mingle with charity workers and users of the Maggie's centres.

Maggie’s Centres provide a programme of emotional and psychological support and practical advice, free of charge, to people with cancer, their friends and family.

Maggie’s currently operate an interim facility in temporary accommodation at Singleton Hospital, in Swansea, South Wales.  The Welsh Assembly has committed £1.5million match-funding to Maggie’s towards their £3million target needed to build a permanent centre and cover running costs for the first two years.

The Duchess spoke to the gathering of up to 50 people and said: "I would just like to say how thrilled I am that you could all come today. We thought it would be a good idea to get the WI and Maggie's together because we know how ladies talk.  We thought that it would be a very good start in Wales if we could get you all here. Maggie's is a fantastic charity."

Among the guests were three people with cancer, who all use the Maggie's Interim Centre in Swansea; Caroline Shepherd, Carole George, and Jean Page, all from Swansea, who all had nothing but praise for the centre.

"When you turn up at Maggie's, it is as if you are walking into your friend's house," said Mrs Shepherd.  "The first thing you can do is walk in and put on the kettle and say hello to everyone - it is like a home from home." She said when diagnosed with cancer, many have support from family and friends, but try to be brave around them. "At Maggie's, you can relax and speak about things you wouldn't say to anyone else." 

Mrs George added: "It is a very, very warm and friendly place where you can meet people in a similar situation to yourself.  We have fun as well because cancer is about living as well as dying."

Mrs Page has taken up Tai Chi at the centre, which she now uses as a relaxation technique in general.  When you are diagnosed with cancer, you start on a learning curve," she said.  "It is a ‘slow down and look at the flowers’ situation. Count your blessings. But I have always had a positive outlook and am a bit laid-back. I am a ‘glass half-full’ person."

Maggie’s Director of Fundraising, Frances Milner said: “We are honoured that our president, the Duchess of Cornwall, invited us to attend this event.  Her Royal Highness has visited three of our centres and has been most impressed by the work that takes place within them.  It is wonderful for Her Royal Highness to have paved the way for Maggie’s to develop a further, stronger relationship with the W.I.”

Carroll Nunnery, Chairwoman of Myddfai WI, said: "The idea today is to mingle, make friends and see where it goes from there. We are getting into a dialogue. Her Royal Highness is so good at mixing the right ingredients to get a good result."