Princess Anne combined two of her lifelong passions which is supporting people with disabilities and championing the equestrian community during a busy day of engagements in Northern Ireland.
The Princess Royal began her visit in Belfast, where she officially toured Sense’s new community hub as patron of the disability charity, marking 40 years of Sense’s work in Northern Ireland.
During the visit, Anne met children, adults and families who benefit from the charity’s services and learned how the new centre is transforming lives through creative arts, sensory play, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities and specialist support for people with complex disabilities.
She was welcomed by Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, who joined her in celebrating the charity’s milestone and its continued impact across the region.
The royal then travelled to Shanaghan Veterinary Services in Katesbridge, County Down, for the British Horse Society (BHS) Ireland Equine Futures Day.
As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, Princess Anne toured the stables, spent time meeting horses and veterinary staff, and planted a commemorative tree before learning more about the latest advances in equine health, welfare and veterinary care.
Dr Esther Skelly-Smith, equine veterinarian and co-owner of Shanaghan Hill Farm, described it as a privilege to welcome her while praising her decades of dedication to equestrian sport and horse welfare.
In 1976, she made history as the first member of the Royal Family to compete at the Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in the equestrian three-day event.
Her daughter, Zara Tindall, later continued the family legacy by winning an Olympic silver medal at the London 2012 Games.
2026-06-30 13:00:00
