Princess Anne has been hailed as "crucially important" to organisations she supports within her royal role by a charity CEO.
The Princess Royal, who is involved with over 300 charities, made her first official visit to The Eric Liddell Community as the charity's royal patron.
As part of her visit, Anne personally thanked Bernadette Morrison, a dedicated volunteer retiring after 14 years of service to the charity.
The royal visit also marked the arrival of the Eric Liddell Exhibition at the community centre that commemorates the life and achievements of the Olympic gold medallist and Scottish sporting icon, whose story continues to resonate a century after his historic victory in Paris in 1924.
Princess Anne has been hailed as 'crucially important' to organisations she supports within her royal role by a charity CEO.
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John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, told GB News that he invited Princess Anne to become the Royal Patron of the charity, explaining he was “truly honoured when she accepted”.
The Princess Royal marked her first engagement in this new role on April 7.
The charity said they aimed to give Her Royal Highness a comprehensive insight into our work to support vulnerable people across Edinburgh, including those living with dementia and unpaid carers.
Anne previously served as Patron of The Eric Liddell 100 (2022–2024) and was invited by Macmillan to take up this new role.
Princess Anne marked her first engagement in this new role on April 7
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MacMillan explained the importance of the royals work.
He told GB News: “As CEO, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming Her Royal Highness to several events in recent years, and each time it is a genuine honour. I always look forward to the chance to share with her the impact of our work and the stories of the people and communities we support.
“Her Royal Highness’ involvement with The Eric Liddell Community has been crucially important, as she has kindly added her voice to champion our cause to support vulnerable people across Edinburgh and to secure the legacy of one of the UK’s iconic figures
“With our Royal Patron’s support, we have now been able to share our work, our challenges and successes with a wider regional, national and sometimes international audience, that we would have never been able to achieve without her support."
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The charity's CEO told the People's Channel that Princess Royal comes across as "highly knowledgeable" on the charities she supports.
He recalled: "I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Her Royal Highness during this most recent visit and on previous occasions. She has a deep understanding of the important work we do to support vulnerable people across Edinburgh.
"She is genuinely interested, highly knowledgeable, and an absolute pleasure to be around. Everyone at The Eric Liddell Community feels privileged to have her support.
"What truly stood out was the time she chose to spend with us and her sincere desire to speak with everyone individually. She showed a strong interest in hearing how our services are making a difference, and she took time to learn about the experiences of our staff and volunteers."
Princess Anne unveiled the exhibition plaque during her visit
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Speaking on the Royal Family's role in their charitable work, MacMillan said: “In my experience, the Royal Family can make a hugely meaningful impact on the organisations they support.
“For local people and small charities, this level of recognition and advocacy is not only validating but vital. It shines a light on the crucial work being done every day to support communities."
The CEO highlighted the "joy and excitement" Anne brings whenever she visits.
He added: "For the many individuals who rely on our services, her presence can truly make their day. Her warmth, attention, and genuine care have left a lasting impression on everyone she’s met through The Eric Liddell Community.”
