Princess Anne recently visited the Seafarers’ Advice and Information Line at its premises in Greenwich.

The visit to SAIL in King William Walk on November 2 was to mark the expansion of the unique and vital service for the seafaring community.

This was the Princess Royal's second time visiting SAIL, which represents a significant milestone in its history since it opened its phone lines in 1996.

Founded by the Seafarers Hospital Society in response to the specific needs of seafarers and their families, SAIL has grown considerably since her last visit, from three members of staff in 1997 to 13, plus a full-time manager.

In April 2016 the service was extended to cover the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and has recently been expanded further with funding from Greenwich Hospital.

Like all Citizens Advice, SAIL provides free, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues, from debt and welfare benefits to housing and employment problems.

As patron of Citizens Advice nationally, the princess was greeted by Miles Cowley, SAIL manager, before she also met staff and volunteers.

Mr Cowley said: “We were delighted to welcome the Princess Royal to our newly refurbished and expanded premises.

“Last year we helped 1,334 seafarers from all round the UK and raised almost £900,000 on their behalf in benefits, charitable grants and debt write-offs that’s an all-time record.”