Princess Anne visited Evesham, taking a tour of a town tech firm.
On Friday, October 8, the HRH The Princess Royal made a surprise visit to Worcestershire, finishing her day at Foster + Freeman in Evesham.
The visit, several years in the making, was previously scheduled to take place in the Spring only to be scuppered by COVID restrictions.
Princess Anne was taken on a guided tour of the company’s Vale Park facilities, which included hands-on demonstrations of the very latest forensic science equipment used by police and military.
Chief executive Robert Dartnell said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Anne to our R&D and manufacturing facility today and to explain how, for over 40-years, Foster + Freeman has contributed to the forensic investigation of crime worldwide.
“We are a unique company, not just locally but internationally, and it was with great pride that we were able to introduce our people and products to The Princess Royal.”
As Royal Patron of Women in Science and Engineering and a strong supporter of promoting youth in STEM education, Princess Anne took a keen interest in the people behind the products.
Rachael Brewster, fingerprint product delivery manager, said: “Ahead of today’s visit no one was quite sure what to expect but the Princess Royal immediately put us at ease, demonstrating a genuine interest not only in the technology but also in the part we all play in turning new product concepts into reality, asking astute questions throughout.”
MP for Mid Worcestershire, Nigel Huddleston, and the Mayor of Evesham, Sue Amor, were also in attendance.
It was a particularly exciting day for James Birch and Hayley Roden at Silver Birch Bouquets, Port Street.
James said: “It’s not every day you get to be asked to make a bouquet for a member of one of my favourite families.
“Today I had a phone call at 10am saying that we have been the recommended florist to be asked to make a small posey to be presented to a member of the royal family today on her visit to Evesham.
“To say I was honoured is an understatement. I really hope she loved what we created at such short notice.”
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