Jan 20, 2009, 10:30 GMT
Britain's Princess Anne has shocked a small Scottish charity by agreeing to a last-minute visit.
The National Schizophrenic Fellowship Scotland - which employs six people at its headquarters in Newington, Edinburgh - wrote to the princess late last year, inviting her to tour its new offices.
The charity wasn't expecting a response, but Anne replied and tomorrow (21.01.09) the royal will officially open the new headquarters and celebrate the organisation's 25th anniversary.
Fundraiser Pat Carmichael said: "We wrote to her some time ago but we really didn't think we would have a hope in hell.
"We got a response back asking why we specifically wanted her to open it and sent one back explaining she does a lot of work in Scotland, especially with carers, who we also spend a great deal of time with.
"She's popular and works incredibly hard, she'll be doing her homework about what we do and we can't wait to meet her, there is great excitement in the office."
The charity - which helps people with schizophrenia and their families - has invited 40 guests, including fundraisers and people the organization assists.
Carmichael hopes the royal visit will help dispel some common myths about the illness.
She said: "There are so many stigmas attached to schizophrenia. Some people seem to think it means people go around murdering others but the reality is completely different, in fact they are much more likely to commit suicide.
"I know Princess Anne is extremely busy and we are just grateful she can fit us in at all. We're only a small charity but we want to raise our profile and help more people. Schizophrenia is an illness just like cancer or anything else."
The princess is also expected to visit the Edinburgh and Lothians City Chambers, St Mary's Cathedral and other venues.
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