A royal visit is being planned to mark the 200th anniversary of Ramsgate becoming a royal harbour.

Organisers say a massive celebration could be the biggest event in the town for 50 years and hope to welcome a frontline member of the Royal Family.

The visit has not been confirmed but organisers have already contacted the Royal Family and the Lord Lieutenant's office with an invitation and talks are progressing.

Ralph Hoult, chairman of the Royal Harbour Ramsgate 200 Festival committee, said: "We've been in contact with the Royal Family for about three years.

"We got an email saying that they did not know what sort of event that they would attend but Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was mentioned."

Mr Hoult received an OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace last year and spoke to Her Majesty about his hopes for a royal visit.

"She asked what I did in Ramsgate. I told her what we're planning and wanted a royal to come and open it," he added.

"She didn't say yes but didn't say no.

"There's no way we won't get a royal. It's got to. We're the only royal harbour in the UK."

He says he hopes a royal will be able to unveil a new bronze statue of King George IV - who granted the harbour royal assent in 1821 - at the Royal Harbour.

Work has already started to plan the Royal Harbour Ramsgate 200 Festival which will commemorate this occasion two centuries later in 2021.

The event would be held over the weekend of September 24 and 25 - exactly 200 years on from King George IV visiting the town for the first time.

It was the first of three visits to Ramsgate that year after receiving such a rousing welcome from the town on September 25, 1821.

He visited twice more - November 8 and November 27 - with the latter visit naming Ramsgate as a Royal Harbour.

The town now flies the Royal Standard three times a year to recognise the king's accession to the throne on January 29, his coronation on July 19 and his birthday on August 12.

Mr Hoult, who is also president of Ramsgate Sea Cadets, says he hopes the Royal Navy will come on board with the celebrations by possibly sending ships and a shore-based activities.

The committee for the festival have been working on the plans since September 2016, which will include a schools day on the Friday before a weekend of events including the Dunkirk Little Ships, visiting tall ships, sea safety day, live music and a banquet.

Some 20 community groups have joined the preparations but organisers need to raise about £100,000 to help fund the event and are looking for more businesses and groups to help sponsor.

Anyone who can help support or join with organising can contact Ralph Hoult by emailing ralphchoult@gmail.com or call 07969 672674.

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