Princess ‘like an old friend’

Princess Anne breezed into the West Midlands like “an old friend” to meet staff at two children’s charity projects.

See also: Royal visit in pictures

The Princess Royal was greeted by about 30 volunteers at the Save the Children shop, in Peckingham Street, Halesowen, where she received flowers and cut a cake to mark her visit. About 250-people had waited to catch a glimpse of the princess as she arrived .

The princess, who is president of the charity, chatted to volunteers and spent several minutes talking to well-wishers in the bumper crowd.

Shop leader Eiral Edwards said the visit had been a huge success and praised the royal for her down-to-earth style.

Miss Edwards was one of five volunteers presented to the princess who have worked at the charity shop since it opened 17 years ago. “She was easy to get on with and she chats so freely to you it’s just like speaking to an old friend,” she said.

“She’s absolutely great. Once I got over the initial introduction, all the nervousness vanished.”

Walsall youngster Alexander Melvin, aged seven, gave the princess a bouquet on behalf of the Halesowen charity.

Grandfather Terry Melvin, the shop’s treasurer, said: “I’m very proud of him indeed.” Earls High School pupil Tom Harris, aged 15, was also bowled over after presenting the princess with roses on behalf of community group Youth4Em.

“I was very nervous but she was much calmer,” he said. “She said the red roses were very appropriate for Valentine’s Day.”

Princess Anne, who is president of the Save The Children charity, earlier visited West Bromwich to learn about the Befriending Unaccompanied Minors Project, based at Hawthorns House in Halfords Lane.

The Princess, wearing a camel-coloured suit and checked blouse, enjoyed presentations from asylum seekers aged 14 to 18 who had been helped by the project. She praised the work of the project and said young refugees faced a lot of challenges.