PRINCESS ANNE HAS A GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY TRAIN NAMED AFTER HER

• Princess Anne looked in high spirits as she went to Paddington Station today
• READ MORE: Let's hear it for Princess Anne, the brave, plain-talking workaholic who holds the Monarchy together

Princess Anne looked in high spirits today as unveiled a Great Western Railway train that was named after her in London today.

The Princess Royal, 73, travelled to Paddington train station with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, a member of the GWR Advisory Board.

Anne looked regal as she sported a grey button-up blazer with a matching maxi skirt and a pair of leather boots.

She put her best fashion foot forward and gave her outfit a pop of colour with a turquoise blouse, black gloves and a matching bag.

The crowd applauded Anne as she unveiled the curtain to show the new Great Western Rail train that read: 'HRH The Princess Royal' on the side. 

Speaking on the stage before the unveiling, she said: 'Thank you very much indeed for this honour, it's much appreciated.

'But I hope you that you recognise the common denominator here is the understanding of the word logistics, in this case particularly railways.

'I do think that's a subject which many of the organisations that I'm involved with really do have a clear understanding of, it is their role.

'I'm grateful for their persistence in understanding that particular area of work and for which we understand the railways, the key part they play, for everybody and that it has a real future.

'This is really kind of you but does it reflect, I hope, a real understanding of the role of logistics, particularly railways, in our lives, certainly historically but definitely for the future.'

The royal looked ecstatic to see her name on the side of the train. The design was inspired by the heritage of GWR's King George V train.

It has two sides of a coin printed on the side which contains the illustration of Anne competing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the Coat of Arms of the GWR on the other side.

Anne, who is a known lover of horses like her mother the late Queen and her daughter Zara Tindall, was competing with Queen Elizabeth's horse Goodwill, in a three-day event in 1976.

She was the first member of the royal family to compete and while she did not approach a medal, she won an individual gold medal at the 1971 Burghley event and won individual and team silver medals in 1975 at Luhmuhlen.

Afterwards, The Princess Royal was introduced to guests including the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, former Prime Minister Theresa May and Transport for London Commissioner Andrew Lord. 

She was shown around the station by GWR boss Mark Hopwood, where she greeted members from the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.

The charity is an all-female voluntary organisation founded in 1907 that deploys response teams to support civil and military authorities in times of crisis.

Her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, also chatted with people at the event and looked dapper in a grey suit, crisp white shirt and a red tie. 

Anne was given a bunch of flowers and was presented with a matching plaque by two young girls. 

Mr Hopwood said: 'Naming trains has been a tradition on the railway, and especially on the Great Western Railway, since the earliest days of train travel.

'Today GWR proudly continues this tradition, recognising and celebrating inspirational individuals who have shaped the communities and the nation. 

'Her Royal Highness has dedicated a large part of her working life to official engagements and visits and we are delighted to recognise this immense contribution by carrying her name on the side of this Intercity Express Train.'

Transport Secretary, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, said: 'I'm delighted to see one of GWR's trains named after Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in recognition of her remarkable commitment to public service.

'Her Royal Highness has made a significant contribution to so many important charities, events and public services so it gives me great pride to celebrate this through one of the greatest traditions on our railways.'

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2024-05-02T17:02:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd