The Princess Royal on the MS Queen Anne on the River Mersey, Liverpool
The Princess Royal on the MS Queen Anne on the River Mersey, Liverpool (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Princess Anne visited Cunard's Queen Anne cruise ship as the vessel was docked in Liverpool. The newest ship in Cunard's fleet, which had her naming ceremony in Liverpool last year, arrived on the Mersey yesterday to mark the cruise line's 185th anniversary and join the Liverpool FC Premier League title parade.
However the celebrations have been halted due to a major incident on Water Street yesterday evening. 47 people were injured, including two suffering serious injuries, after a car was driven into a crowd on the city centre street following Monday's parade.
The Princess was given a tour of the ship before a moment of reflection was held on board Queen Anne on Tuesday afternoon to mark yesterday's incident. She stood next to Cunard president Katie McAlister and Liverpool City Council chief executive Andrew Lewis as they gave speeches offering their support for those affected.
Ms McAlister said: "Today was intended to be a moment of celebration for Cunard's 185th anniversary, but instead it's really a moment of solidarity with the city after the events of last night. Our thoughts, of course, are with all of those affected and the entire community at this time.
"Liverpool is not just where Cunard was founded, it's where our story began. This great city, with its proud maritime history and strong sense of identity has really shaped Cunard from the very beginning.
"The docks, the river and the people of Liverpool are all part of our heritage and remain central to who we are today."
HRH Princess Anne (far left) speaking to crew onboard Cruise Ship Queen Anne alongside Katie McAlister (President of Cunard)(centre),
HRH Princess Anne (far left) speaking to crew onboard cruise ship Queen Anne alongside Katie McAlister (President of Cunard)(centre),
2. Princess Anne met Cunard staff
Princess Anne met Cunard staff
3. The ship stopped in Liverpool to mark the 185th Cunard anniversary
The ship stopped in Liverpool to mark the 185th Cunard anniversary