CROWDS of people turned out for a royal visit to a Worcestershire charity where staff and volunteers were congratulated.

The Princess Royal visited Malvern's Citizens Advice Bureau this morning (Friday) to meet its long-serving volunteers and employees.

Residents gathered around the building on Prospect Close to catch a glimpse of the royal who drove herself to the event.

Malvern Gazette: Princess Anne arriving at CAB.Princess Anne arriving at CAB. (Image: NQ)Among those waiting for the princess was Maxine Wrenn, along with her husband and daughter.

The family live across the road and downed tools at gardening maintenance firm The Land Girls to see Princess Anne. 

Malvern Gazette: Maxine Wrenn, with husband Graham and daughter Ashley.Maxine Wrenn, with husband Graham and daughter Ashley. (Image: NQ)Mrs Wrenn said: “We love the royals, we really do, and I get cross with anyone who doesn’t.  

“I think they are just wonderful, they bring in tourism, hope and history. 

“I wanted to bring the tea and cakes out.

Malvern Gazette: Princess Anne meets staff at Citizen Advice Bureau in Malvern.Princess Anne meets staff at Citizen Advice Bureau in Malvern. (Image: NQ)“It is just fantastic having them here.”

The Princess Royal was her usual down-to-earth self as she arrived in Malvern having driven herself.

Accompanied by a Lady-in-Waiting and a security guard, the royal exited the car to an excited crowd of royalists.

Malvern Gazette: Princess Anne with Annie Robson, chief executive officer for Citizens Advice South Worcestershire.Princess Anne with Annie Robson, chief executive officer for Citizens Advice South Worcestershire. (Image: NQ)After meeting MPs, councillors, servicemen and women, Princess Anne stepped inside Malvern's Citizens Advice to meet some of their most long-serving employees and volunteers.

Sue Johnson has been volunteering at the Malvern Centre for 26 years and it was her first time meeting the princess. 

Malvern Gazette: Sue Johnson and Liz Mckerrow with the unveiled plaque. Sue Johnson and Liz Mckerrow with the unveiled plaque. (Image: NQ)"She was very personable, very relaxed. I mean, I did not know what to expect, but she was lovely.

"She was really well informed."

Another volunteer of 22 years, Liz Mckerrow, added: "She left a warm feeling.

Malvern Gazette: Princess Anne left with a bouquet of flowers. Princess Anne left with a bouquet of flowers. (Image: NQ)"I was quite stressed about meeting her, and she put me at ease and took the time with every single one of us."

The Princess Royal also unveiled a commemorative plaque at the centre, which reads: "To commemorate the visit to South Worcestershire Citizens Advice, Malvern Hills by HRH The Princess Royal on Friday, November 3, 2023."

Malvern Gazette: The princess drove herself. The princess drove herself. (Image: NQ)Citizens Advice is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and other problems.

Princess Anne is the patron of the charity.

Annie Robson, chief executive officer for Citizens Advice South Worcestershire, said: "It is really exciting, and it is giving everyone a real boost. 

"It is a nice opportunity for staff and volunteers who all dedicate their time, no matter how long they are with us.

"It will be a special moment for them and for some a once-in-a-lifetime."