Primary school children from the Isle of Wight lined a beach in Seaview to welcome Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne yesterday (Thursday), in what was a 'proud day' for the village.

The Princess Royal visited Sea View Yacht Club, where she met those who help fundraise to ensure pupils can take part in a weekly sailing programme, for free.

She then went aboard her royal boat to watch students from St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Ryde, train in small ‘Pico’ sailing dinghies. 

After heading inshore, HRH gave a short speech and unveiled a plaque, officially opening the club's new classroom and boat park, off Duver Road.

Isle of Wight County Press: HRH Princess Anne meets schoolchildren.HRH Princess Anne meets schoolchildren. (Image: Paul Blackley)

Isle of Wight County Press: Princess Anne meets people on the beach in Seaview.Princess Anne meets people on the beach in Seaview. (Image: Paul Blackley)

John Curtis, sailing director at Sea View Yacht Club, told the County Press that Princess Anne showed particular interest in the Seaview Sailing Trust project.

He said: "We're getting schoolchildren in year five out on the water for a long period of time.

"They do either five weeks of training or ten weeks of training in term time.

"For the club in general, it is a very proud day."

Students from six of the 14 East Wight schools taking part in the programme were on hand to greet HRH.

As well as St Mary's, pupils from Nettlestone, Bembridge, Ryde School, Dover Park and Oakfield all got the chance to see royalty up close.

Isle of Wight County Press: Princess Anne unveils a plaque in Seaview.Princess Anne unveils a plaque in Seaview. (Image: Paul Blackley)

Isle of Wight County Press: Nettlestone Primary pupils waiting for HRH Princess Anne to arrive.Nettlestone Primary pupils waiting for HRH Princess Anne to arrive. (Image: IWCP)

Esme, 9, from Nettlestone Primary, said: "It was really cool seeing her. She didn't really speak to me but just to see her and know I'm so close to royalty.

"I really enjoy taking part in the scheme and being in a boat. I know I'm learning something and it feels amazing."

Also taking part in the sailing programme is Josh, ten, from Nettlestone Primary, whose parents are PE teachers.

He said he wants to go one "step further".

"I want to maybe make it professional one day", he said.

Since being set up as a charitable organisation in 2022, the Seaview Sailing Trust has raised £300,000 to fund the free training programme.

Plans are also afoot to double the number of primary school children taking part.