The Princess Royal was met with a warm welcome when she visited Save The Children's shop in Maidstone.

Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, greeted dignitaries including mayor Cllr Derek Butler as well as shop workers inside the store in Union Street.

The 66-year-old - who has been president of the charity since the 1970s - also honoured volunteers Dennis Foad and Brenda Harris with long service awards for the 28 years they have devoted to helping the charity fund its work in 120 countries.

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The charity shop has been in Union Street since the 1980s when the building was bought for £12,000.

Jill Lee, a volunteer, said: "It was lovely. Everyone puts in so many hours volunteering and it is just a nice way to be appreciated. She was very friendly and very relaxed."

Dozens of onlookers watched Princess Anne depart, among them Betty Warren.

The 88-year-old, who was born in Union Street had been waiting for almost an hour for Princess Anne to arrive and was given a cup of tea and her very own chair outside the shop.

She said:"I was sitting outside for quite a while. I have never seen her in person before."

Video: Princess Royal visits Maidstone

Today Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Edinburgh would be retiring from public life this autumn.

Prince Phillip, who is 96 next month, will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August but will accept no new invitations.

The Queen will continue to carry out the full programme of official events.