The Princess Royal has arrived in Kent to officially open an affordable rural housing development.

Princess Anne attended the ceremony this morning in Bartlett Close, Staple, a village near Sandwich, in the first Royal visit to the county since October last year.

The official opening of the scheme was marked by the planting of a commemorative tree and a presentation of a posy of flowers by 12-year-old Lacey Fordham.

The royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, then visited Staple Village Hall.

Princess Anne is a patron of English Rural, a non-profit organisation, which is behind the scheme.

The development, which was completed in January last year, comprises six affordable homes, including two one-bedroom bungalows and four two-bedroom houses.

It also comprises two three-bedroom chalet houses for open market sale, with the proceeds being invested in financing the affordable homes.

Outside the site, the princess, who arrived by helicopter, spoke of the importance of the homes fitting into the area.

She said: “These houses should look very much part of the village that they are in. From my experience, every single one looks different.

“There’s always that little touch of the local look about it, either in the material, shaping, all of those little things make a difference.

“It’s truly important that parish councils, everybody has confidence in what these houses are doing, in what they bring to the communities.”

“It’s my pleasure to see these houses today.”

Lacey, who gave Princess Anne the posy of flowers, said the experience was “awesome”.

“We had some flowers in the garden and she said thank you,” the youngster recalled.

The royal, who is King Charles’ sister, seemed in good spirits when she arrived, sharing a laugh as she was greeted at the site.

Alison Thompson, deputy development director at English Rural, said: “The approval of our application promotes the value that small-scale affordable housing developments can bring to villages like Staple.

“These developments provide a secure and safe place for local people to live, in the communities they serve and support.

“The affordable homes at Bartlett Close play an important role in safeguarding a vibrant, active, and working village that includes a mixture of age groups and income earners.”

Staple Parish Council chair Cllr Trevor Bartlett said: “In my capacity as chairman of Staple Parish Council, I am delighted that HRH The Princess Royal, in her role as Patron of the English Rural Housing Association, is here today to officially open Bartlett Close.

“Affordable housing in rural areas such as Staple is highly sought after, and it is fantastic this worthwhile project is now providing new homes to our residents.”

Later in the day, Princess Anne visited the National Coastwatch Institution station in Folkestone on the East Cliff.

The Princess Royal and Sir Timothy were received by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Brigadier Minter, who presented the NCI chairman Stephen Hand and Folkestone Station Manager, Rob Wilsher.

After visiting the station, the pair attended a reception for NCI watchkeepers and guests at the Folkestone Yacht and Motorboat Club.

Vice commodore of Folkestone Yacht and Motorboat Club Toni Jones said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was an honour for her to visit our local club.

“We chatted about different things to do with the sea and the safety of paddleboarding.

“Sir Timothy was keen on reminding everyone to have a need to call for help, which we do too as a club.”

David Crozier, chief executive of the NCI, said: “It was very enjoyable and Her Royal Highness is very good at putting people at ease.

“She works so hard for our charity and it is marvellous to have her as our royal patron.”