Princess Royal given guided tour at boat show

The Princess Royal met Norfolk boatbuilder Alan Goodchild at the Seawork exhibition in Southampton

The Princess Royal has been given a tour of a Norfolk-built boat at a major exhibition.

Goodchild Marine Services, of Burgh Castle near Great Yarmouth, hosted Princess Anne at the Seawork exhibition in Southampton on Tuesday.

The class of vessel, an ORC121, has recently been ordered by the Duchy of Cornwall to serve the Isles of Scilly.

Alan Goodchild, the founder of the company, said the princess asked some "very interesting questions".

Alan Goodchild said the Princess Royal took a keen interest in the maritime industry.

Mr Goodchild said he knew the visit was likely before the show, owing to security preparations.

He said: "What is very interesting is we have just secured a contract for exactly the same boat for the Duchy of Cornwall which is going to be based on the Isles of Scilly, so there was a link to the Royal Household.

"One of the advantages with Princess Anne is she's very engaged with maritime so we aren't just talking to a VIP who's had no experience of maritime affairs or naval connections.

"The interest is there and she asked some very interesting questions on the boat; she certainly knew her subject.

"She was very interested in our 'man overboard' recovery system which we had the honour of demonstrating to her. Not with anyone in the water, I hasten to add!"