Visit to Katesbridge Stables
The Princess Royal's longstanding connection with horses was evident during her recent visit to Northern Ireland. As Vice Patron of The British Horse Society, she toured stables in Katesbridge, County Down, spending time with the horses and planting a tree.
During the visit, she called at Shanaghan Veterinary Services, where she was warmly welcomed by equine vet and co-owner of Shanaghan Hill Farm, Dr Esther Skelly-Smith.
"I was honoured to welcome the princess to Katesbridge," Skelly-Smith said.
Skelly-Smith expressed her admiration for the princess's equestrian legacy and her contributions to horse welfare. She noted the significance of the visit for the local equine community, stating:
"For me as a horsey child, who watched Princess Anne and Zara over the years compete, it is a real honour to have her here."
"We breed event horses ourselves and for me it is an absolute honour and privilege to have her here at the farm, but also she does amazing work with world horse welfare and the British Horse Society, so it is a real encouragement for the equine community volunteers here on the ground here in Katesbridge."
The princess's equestrian achievements include becoming the first member of the Royal Family to compete in the Olympic Games in 1976, participating in the equestrian three-day event. Her daughter, Zara Tindall, continued this tradition by competing in the same event at the 2012 London Olympics.
Visit to Sense Hub in Belfast
Earlier on the same day, the Princess Royal visited the Sense Hub in Belfast, where she met adults and children with complex needs. She was greeted by Northern Ireland deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly and health minister Mike Nesbitt.
During her visit, the princess took time to engage with the public and learn more about the services provided at the Sense Hub.
