ACCORDING to most villagers, Princess Anne's visit to Wedmore on Thursday (February 15) ended an 1,129-year hiatus of royal guests.

She had flown in for a designer date with fashion, but made a lightning stop at a local school to meet some youngsters.

More than a hundred children and adults talked excitedly among themselves before the sound of a helicopter approaching silenced them for the big arrival.

The Princess Royal touched down in the grounds of Wedmore County First School at around 3.45pm and was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Lady Gass as she walked across the grass.

Well-wishers craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the royal as she met children from the school and she was presented with a card and flowers, before getting into a car to take her into the village.

Wedmore David Wederell said he thought the day was being treated as such a special occasion because of the long gap since the previous royal was seen there.

"It's been a long time since we've had royalty here before," he told the Weekly News.

"I think it was AD878 when King Alfred arrived to sign the peace treaty, so yes I suppose it is quite a unique visit."

The Princess Royal had made the trip to visit knitwear company Mary Davis, which is a member of UK Fashion Exports, and produces a British-made product sold all over the world.

As the president of the independent trade association, the attendance of Princess Anne was a real coup for the business and sent a buzz throughout the village as residents stood and watched as she arrived.

And Mary Davis's Fiona Jackson said she had made sure that the royal had taken a memento of the day away with her.

"We gave her a jacket from our collection," she told the Mercury.

"We actually spoke to the palace and asked what size she wore."

And after speaking to everyone inside the village store the Princess Royal was whisked away, although she made sure she gave patriotic fans a wave and a smile before she left.

You can see exclusive footage of Princess Anne's visit by clicking on video news at the top of this page.

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