Princess Anne presented a maritime charity supporting former seafarers with a new royal charter as it celebrates its 150th birthday.

The Princess Royal, 64, is the patron of the Royal Alfred Seafearers’ Society, based in Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead.

She toured the newly refurbished facilities, and met staff, volunteers and residents before presenting the charity with its new charter.

This document, approved by the Queen, sets out the original objectives of the charity but in more modern language. It now hangs in the home’s lobby lounge.

The charity also celebrated the launch of a book to commemorate its 150th anniversary, Home from Sea, which charts the society’s history and explores the lives of its former seafaring community. 

The first copy of the book was presented by the society’s chairman, Captain Duncan Glass, to the princess. 

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Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, the society’s chief executive, said: "A visit from the Princess Royal is the crowning moment of what has been a good anniversary year so far. 

"I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the staff, past and present who have committed themselves to providing continued high quality care at the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society over the past 150 years. 

"We are well positioned and look forward to being able to continue supporting former mariners for generations to come."

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