Princess Anne meets Glasgow charities to hear what the Queen meant to them

Just days before the state funeral of her mother in London, the Princess Royal came back to Scotland to meet representatives at a reception in Glasgow City Chambers.

After meeting well-wishers outside, with her husband Sir Tim Laurence, and witnessing the flowers laid at George Square, the Queen’s only daughter heard from ten charities what the late monarch meant to them.

Gordon Terris (Image: Gordon Terris)

Accompanied by lord provost Jacqueline McLaren, she spent more than an hour going around tables in the City Chambers banquetting hall chatting to the charities about their work and The Queen.

From national charities based in the city to community organisations, they paid tribute to the Princess Royal taking time following her mother’s death.

READ MORE: Where is the Queen going to be buried? Funeral details announced

She heard music from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and appeared moved by a poignant rendition of Loch Lomond from a young singer.

Lambhill Stables is based in the north of Glasgow on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal providing education, training, social and recreational activities for people of all ages.

Hilary Harris, acting chair of Lambhill Stables, said the Princess Royal taking time for the meeting during the week of ceremonial events following her mother’s death was “extraordinary”.

Ms Harris said: “She was unbelievably well briefed about the organisation and led the conversation.

“We are full of admiration that she made the time for us this week.”

Gordon Terris (Image: Gordon Terris)

The Royal British Legion Scotland was represented and paid tribute to The Queen for her “special” connection with services and veterans.

READ MORE: Glasgow Green Party councillor Leodhas Massie declares 'I don’t have a King'

Rear Admiral Mark Baverstock, national president of Royal British Legion Scotland, said: “It was a wonderful event. The fact the Princess Royal and her husband made the effort to come back to Scotland during this time shows the connection they have with Scotland.

“It was very thoughtful of them to come to speak to the charities her late mother was involved with.

“The connection between the armed forces and veterans and the Royal Family is special. There is a very special relationship between Her Majesty and now His Majesty and the forces.

“People in the forces referred to her as ‘The Boss’ as she was commander in chief and we served in her name.

“She had deep ties with the military and in 1945 she pushed her father to enlist in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (the only service open to women at the time). She served as a mechanic and a driver until the war ended.

“Her children and grandchildren served in the armed forces.

“She felt the pain, anguish and sorrow of service families." Which he said was now reciprocated

He added: “She understood first hand what it was to be a serviceman and servicewoman and the sacrifices they make.

“We will rejoice in her life of, the years of service. The promise of service and the promise of service fulfilled.”

Gordon Terris (Image: Newsquest)

Others wanted to let the Princess know what it meant to have had the Queen’s support.

Rachel Ducker, director of finance with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said: “The Queen was our patron and championed our volunteers, 8000 of them across Scotland.

“We wanted to express to the Princess Royal how important that support was.

“We had three volunteers here today.

“She was asking about the work and particularly the health prevention work and about getting the right information to people and how to support the volunteers.”

Ms Ducker also acknowledged the visit while the Royal Family was in mourning.

She added: “She is a human being and we appreciate her having these conversations with us while going through a really difficult time.”

Kerry Reilly, chief executive of YMCA, echoed that sentiment and said it was “admirable that they are giving their time whilst grieving”.

She said: “We have had Royal Patronage since 1910, granted by King George V.

“We have a long history with the Royal family and many lovely memories.”