Princess Anne in Southampton: 46 pictures from the Royal visit

The Princess Royal greeted staff at Princess Anne Hospital before honouring Southampton's Lord Mayor status at the Civic Centre.

Princess Anne – who had last visited Southampton in 2009 – began her morning speaking to families at her namesake hospital, which she opened in 1981, in an event organised by the Royal College of Midwives to mark its 42-year anniversary.

The Princess was one of the first faces to meet baby Rosie Eccleston who had been born at 12.26am the very same day.

READ MORE: Princess Anne visits the hospital that bears her name

Parents Charlotte Brash and Cory Eccleston described the surprise encounter as: “very unexpected but a special way to mark the birth of baby Rosie”.

Princess Anne then took the time to greet staff at the hospital before unveiling a plaque marking the hospital’s anniversary.

Princess Anne greeting staff at the maternity hospital

Before leaving the hospital, The Princess Royal planted a rowan tree on the hospital grounds to commemorate her visit.

A little before midday, Princess Anne arrived at Southampton Civic Centre where she was escorted to the Mayors Parlour by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq.

While there, The Princess Royal met the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Jacqui Rayment, as well as several councillors including the leader of Southampton City Council – Cllr Satvir Kaur.

The Princess was in good spirits and she took the time to chat to all involved as she radiated warmth in her turquoise attire.

READ MORE: Princess Anne visits Southampton

Honouring the Lord Mayor in front of the Letters Patent signifying the appointment, Princess Anne said: “The fact that you’ve been celebrating 800 years and 800 mayors, it seems only appropriate that you should have a Lord Mayor.

“I think it reflects just how relevant Southampton remains as a city and how important the Mayor has been in that for all of that time and this has a history well worth investigating so I hope this reminds people to look back and see just how successful this was as a city and has maintained this position in that respect.”

Before departing the Civic Centre, Princess Anne unveiled the City Champion plaque, awarded to the council in recognition of its contribution to the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative as part of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. 

Shortly after The Princess Royal planted a second tree, this time in Andrews Park that also commemorated her visit.

Princess Anne planting a tree in Andrews Park

Speaking to The Daily Echo, Lord Mayor, Cllr Jacqui Rayment said: “I think it's a real privilege, and I am humbled to have received the award today of the Letters Patent.”

She added: “There is something about the way the Princess makes you feel relaxed.

“She seemed very interested.

“She spoke to a wide range of people from across the city, which I think is lovely.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur told The Echo: “It was an honour to host Her Royal Highness in Southampton, where she heard and shared our pride and ambitions for our great city.”

Princess Anne concluded her day in Southampton by visiting The Society of St. James homeless charity in Woolston.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article on the Daily Echo. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more.

Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website.

If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters.

They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.