The Prince of Wales visited Whitely Village in Walton to mark the 100th year of the trust that set up the almshouse.
Prince Charles met residents, including 105-year-old Hettie Hyndman, at the village as it celebrated the centenary of the formation of The Whiteley Homes Trust.
Mrs Hyndman cut the cake marking the centenary.
The prince toured refurbished parts of the village before presenting this year's Almshouse Patrons' Award to the Seckford Foundation.
Whiteley Village was founded 100 years ago with a bequest from William Whiteley.
Prince Charles founded the patron's award seven years ago to recognise the vital role of almshouses in the UK.
The prince arrived at Whiteley Village at about 2pm fresh from a train trip to Woking where he spoke before a viewing of Al Gore's environmental documentary An Inconvenient Truth.
Prince Charles' spokesman said the trip was part of an effort to use rail and car transport rather than flying by helicopter.
Prince Charles shared the first class carriage from London to Woking with other business travellers.
His spokesman said no special arrangements were made other than to make a seat reservation.
He left Whiteley at 3.30pm, continuing his journey by car.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article