The Princess Royal has arrived in the Isle of Man – after delays caused by weather in the UK.
Freezing fog at Gatwick Airport meant Princes Anne’s flight was delayed by around two hours – she had been due to arrive in St John’s at 10.30 this morning.
However, she landed at Ronaldsway Airport just after midday and went straight to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s headquarters.
During a tour of DEFA the Princess viewed displays on Manx agriculture, uplands management and environmental sustainability projects.
She also heard first-hand accounts of the devastating impact heavy snows last March had on local farming communities and efforts by the Agricultural Benevolent Trust to help farmers rebuild their businesses.
The tour also included an invitation to sample a range of locally-produced food and drink and a chat with Manx bee keepers.
This afternoon the Princess will visit St German's cathedral in Peel to hear about a large-scale development project and public appeal to raise £10 million, of which she is patron.
After private visit to Isle of Man prison at Jurby, Princess Anne will perform the official opening of Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre in Santon.
Howard Caine described the Princess's arrival in St John's:
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