The Princess Royal has supported causes to improve the lives of young people for decades, and this week a new, one-of-a-kind sculpture of the Princess has been gifted to one of her patronages, UK Youth.
The charity said it was “elated” to receive the piece by British sculptor Frances Segelman (Lady Petchey) in honour of Princess Anne’s upcoming 70th birthday and her work with the charity.
The Princess, who has served as patron of UK Youth since 2003, is actively involved in the organisation, attending several events a year including Art for Youth London, a popular art exhibition that has raised more than £1.5 million.
The bronze sculpture is the latest piece from Frances Segelman, who also has sculpted The Queen for the Scouts Association and the Prince of Wales for The Prince’s Trust. Segelman is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Associate of the Royal Society of British Sculptors.
“It was a great honour to sculpt Princess Anne, especially as the finished bust is being donated to UK Youth, a charity clearly important to HRH because of the support it gives young people,” Segelman said.
“Having sculpted HM The Queen, it was wonderful to see the close family resemblance come through in my sculpture of Princess Anne. Regal and radiant – yet very down to earth”.
UK Youth “exists to ensure all young people aged 9-25 are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives” and works with more than 5,500 local youth organisations across the UK to provide young people with life skills.
The bust, which will appear in the upcoming documentary Anne: The Princess Royal at 70, will be displayed at Avon Tyrrell, UK Youth’s outdoor activity centre based in the New Forest, Hampshire. The facility was officially opened by The Queen in July 1949.
“Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been UK Youth’s Patron for more than 17 years and we’ve been continually impressed by her passion and commitment to ensuring all young people have the opportunity thrive and are empowered to contribute,” said Lindsay Marsden, Director of Partnerships & Fundraising at UK Youth.
“The creation of this wonderful piece of art will take pride and place at our outdoor centre and will be seen by over 20,000 young people each year. We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of Frances Segelman, and HRH, in including us in this wonderful moment of recognition and celebration.”
