Yesterday, Princess Anne had a busy day of engagements, visiting Trinity House in her role as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, before she travelled to RAF Benson to mark the 35th anniversary of the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron. The Princess Royal then ended her day at the Equestrian Awards in London.
The Queen’s only daughter began her day with a visit to Trinity House in London. The Corporation of Trinity House has its origins in the Tudor period, when Henry VIII granted the fraternity a Royal Charter to recognise its activities in pilotage. The Corporation has had many significant members throughout its 500 year history, including Winston Churchill.
Henry VIII, the monarch who first granted a Royal Charter to what is now known as the Corporation of Trinity House (C/ National Trust, Nostell Priory; Supplied by The Public Catalogue Foundation henry viii)
Anne is Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, a prestigious role which has been held by figures such as Samuel Pepys and The Duke of Wellington. The Princess Royal has held the role since 2011, succeeding her father, who was the Corporation’s longest serving Master. During yesterday’s visit, Princess Anne attended a lunch at Trinity House.
Today, the charity is the official lighthouse authority in the UK, and continues to safeguard the lives of Britain’s mariners.
The Princess Royal then travelled to RAF Benson to mark the 35th anniversary of the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS).
princess anne visited raf benson (raf benson)
The JHSS supports RAF Benson’s helicopter fleets through various activities, such as ensuring the safety of landing sites. The squadron’s smaller teams are deployed around the world to support training activities. Members of the squadron also belong to the Royal Logistics Corp, of which Princess Anne is Colonel-in-Chief.
During her visit, Anne spoke to members of the squadron, as well as their officers and families. The royal guest also viewed the facilities and was given an overview of the JHSS’ work by the crew. The Princess Royal was then presented with a posy by six-year old twins Harry and Sophie.
Princess Anne’s final engagement of the day was at the Equestrian Awards Dinner, which she attended in her role as President of the Animal Health Trust.
The Trust has been protecting the welfare of cats, dogs and horses for 75 years, as well as conducting research in that field. Anne has been President of the Trust since 1991, although she first become involved with the charity’s activities aged 19.
A message from our dedicated President HRH The Princess Royal: leading science and care for animals for 75 years @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/5pQEMBABoX
— Animal Health Trust (@ahtofficial) 31 de octubre de 2017
Her interest in the organisation is personal, with a career of equestrianism behind her, and a lifelong interest and passion for animals.
Last night’s awards were held at the London Marriott Hotel in Grovsenor Square, and were an opportunity to recognise excellence in the equestrian world. As President of the Animal Health Trust, Anne presented awards and also made a speech.
Categories of award included dressage and eventing, and health and welfare.
@cantereventing congratulations from all at RDA!!! Part of Eventing team award win @ahtofficial tonight pic.twitter.com/PqGMDjaMkR
— RDA (@RDAnational) October 31, 2017
