Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, has spent the day on the Isle of Wight today (Friday).
The Princess Royal, Patron of UKSA, made the trip to see the renovated Training Facilities at Artic Road.
Her Royal Highness was met by Chief Executive Ben Willows and Chairman of Trustees Kevin George.
During the visit, The Princess Royal was briefed on the 1:1 Virtual tutoring system and was given a demonstration of the Simulator Suite.
The Princess viewed the new kitchen facilities and was given a tour of the Sports Hall where she received a briefing on the Capital Development Plan and the Island Youth Programme.
The Princess Royal was also given a brief on the Isle of Wight programmes supporting young people during COVID 19 as well as the Careers in Maritime project.
Ben Willows, UKSA CEO said:
“Having guided the organisation through the very significant impact of COVID, it was particularly uplifting for the team to welcome The Princess Royal to UKSA and for this we thank her. We were proud to share our progress on several exciting initiatives that will strengthen both UKSA’s future and the future of the thousands of young people we work with every year.
"In normal circumstances we would also take this occasion to welcome and thank our donors and partners in person. However, although they are unable to be with us today, I and the UKSA team would like to personally thank each and every one of them for their support and generosity that allows us to continue with our ambition to change the lives of many more deserving beneficiaries.”
As Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau’s (NACAB), Her Royal Highness then visited the Help Advice Centre at County Hall.
Paul Savill, the Chief Executive of the Help Advice Centre, introduced The Princess Royal to representatives of partner organisations and gave a
demonstration of the ‘Attend Anywhere’ video conferencing system in use.
Her Royal Highness then met volunteers via video link and thanked them for their work.
The Princess Royal then turned her attention to the Island Riding Centre to see the new facilities for the disabled, and the work being done with apprentices from HTP College.
Her Royal Highness was shown around by Louise Buckner and was given a demonstration of the new parahoist.
The Princess met the students and apprentices at their work in the stables and then met the students from St Catherine’s school who were there for their weekly riding session.
Finally, the apprentice students performed a musical ride for The Princess, before Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque to open the Island Riding Centre.
This is the second visit from royalty to the Island in less than a fortnight. As Isle of Wight Radio first reported, Prince Edward paid a trip to the West Wight Sports and Community Centre at the end of last month (September).