Camilla admits Charles' painting skills are so good they make her want to 'throw her toys out of the pram' as she visits Trinity hospice

The Duchess of Cornwall offered a fascinating insight into her relationship with Charles while chatting with an artistic patient at London's Royal Trinity Hospice this morning.

Camilla, 68, revealed that while she admired how skillful the Prince of Wales is with a paintbrush, his talents leave her wanting to throw her 'toys from the pram' when the pair paint together.

The royal, elegant in a cobalt blue skirt suit twinned with a three-string pearl necklace, confessed her ability when faced with a canvas did not match her husband's, as she toured the hospice in Clapham, South London. 

Almost as good as Charles! Camilla complimented retired physician Peter Copeman on his Italian landscape on a visit to London's Royal Trinity Hospital, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year

The Duchess of Cornwall, dressed in a cobalt blue skirt suit with pearls, is a patron of the hospice; she spent time today meeting patients in a physiotherapy session

The conversation arose after she complimented retired physician Peter Copeman on an Italian landscape he had painted in watercolours, then said about her own painting prowess: 'I wish I had more time, I do it very badly.'

Charles is well known for his work as a watercolourist but his wife has also tried her hand at painting and received private tutoring from an artist many years ago.

Speaking about her husband the Duchess told Mr Copeman: 'He's so good I get frustrated and give up,' and that sitting next to him as they both painted left her wanting to 'tip out my toys from the pram'.

At one point, the Duchess pointed out a possible figure in the small painting and the amateur artist, who did not disclose his illness, joked: 'If you're seeing a figure, she's got my gin and tonic.' 

The Duchess of Cornwall is greeted by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London Ewen Cameron as she arrived for a visit to the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham

Camilla unveils a plaque marking the hospice's 125th anniversary while clutching a small bouquet of white and lavender flowers 

Camilla complemented the blue outfit with a three-string of pearls and a gold bracelet

Camilla dropped in on a patient having a foot massage therapy session

The Duchess looked happy and relaxed as she greeted patients at the hospice

Regal scents! Camilla takes part in an aromatherapy hand-massage session, taking time to smell scented strips of paper

You could do with a foot massage! The Duchess points to the pregnant tummy of one of the nurses at the hospice

It was an action-packed morning for Camilla who spent time meeting some of the hospice's oldest patients including Helen Cooper, 97, and a group of patients taking part in an exercise therapy class using weights. 

The group, Camilla and surrounding staff appeared to be enjoying a joke as the work-out took place. 

Camilla is patron of the Trinity, said to be the oldest hospice in the country, and her visit was held to mark its 125th anniversary celebrated this year.

The institution was founded founded in 1891 thanks to Colonel William Hoare of the famous banking family who donated £1,000 of the £2,000 needed to establish the organisation then called The Hostel of God. 

Throughout its existence the charity has been based in Clapham and for more than 100 years has provided care in two period homes overlooking the famous Common that have been extensively adapted. 

Patients using purple weights take part in a physiotherapy session as Camilla watches on

Sharing a joke: The staff, patients and Camilla smile as they discuss the exercises

Camilla looked to be enjoying her tour of the historic hospice, which is situated in Clapham

I'm older than the Queen! Helen Cooper, aged 97, meets Camilla as she toured the hospice

The hospice serves large parts of central, south and south-west London and cares for around 1,500 patients in the community and at its Clapham centre, which offers a 28-bed inpatient care unit and out-patient services.

Camilla visited patients as they were receiving treatments including one lady who was enjoying a foot massage therapy. 

Elsewhere, the Duchess was asked to smell some aromatherapy scents on strips of paper as she watched a hand massage group.

It's been a busy week already for Camilla; she was in Wiltshire yesterday to visit Prospect Hospice, where she met the terminally ill patients being cared for there.

The Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed a laugh when she was confronted with a teapot with the slogan, 'there may be gin in here' but admitted that it was perhaps a little too early in the day for a nip.

After the moving visit there, in which she praised the organisation's work, the royal also attended a school assembly at Forest and Sandridge Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire.

Smiles: Camilla looked happy to be meeting the hospice's patients as the Duchess and Helen Cooper pose for photographers

A handshake for the staff: Camilla spent the morning meeting staff and patients at the hospice