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British RoyalsPrincess Anne and Family

Anne’s support for unsung heroes during a day in Derbyshire

The Princess Royal has spent the day celebrating some of the country’s unsung heroes. On a visit to Derbyshire, Princess Anne paid tribute to those who look after family members and friends as she celebrated an important anniversary for an organisation set up to care for carers.

Princess Anne visited the Ripley offices of Derbyshire Carers Association to help mark its thirtieth anniversary. It was set up in 1988 and aims to support those looking after friends and family on an ongoing basis. It offers assistance in a wide range of areas including one to one help and accessing respite care.

During her visit, the princess spoke to those working for the organisation and many of those they help. On its Facebook page, the group said that all the carers who had met Anne were impressed with how much the princess knew about the issues that affected them.

Another cause close to Anne’s heart also featured in her Derbyshire diary. The princess popped into the Mid Derbyshire Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, based at Tansley near Matlock, which is marking its fortieth anniversary this year. Anne became Patron of the RDA in 1971 and its President in 1985. She regularly visits regional centres to see their ongoing work in providing riding and carriage driving opportunities to children and adults with disabilities.

There was one more anniversary for Anne to mark during her stop in Derbyshire. The princess, who is President of the Royal Yachting Association, popped into Toddbrook Sailing Club as it celebrated its sixtieth anniversary.

The Princess Royal was the busiest Windsor in 2018 and she’s already building up a head of steam with the New Year just two weeks old. According to the latest information on the Court Circular, Princess Anne has already carried out  9 engagements in 2019 and tomorrow she will be in Northumberland for more visits.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.