Princess Anne visits Happisburgh Lighthouse in Norfolk

The Princess Royal, who is the lighthouse’s patron, was at the landmark as part of her visit to the region last week. 

David Vyse, chairman of the lighthouse’s friends group, said: "It is a real honour to have the Princess Royal as the lighthouse's patron, and her visit today is recognition of the hard work of our volunteer team who keep our lighthouse shining.  

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Princess Anne with David Vyse, chairman of the Friends of Happisburgh Lighthouse (Image: Steve Wright Photography)

“It was wonderful that she took the time to speak to each of those present.”

Princess Anne has had a lifelong interest in lighthouses - the first she visited was the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides in 1956 when she was just five.

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Her father, the Duke of Edinburgh, was the Master of Trinity House - the lighthouse authority for England and Wales - a role which passed to Princess Anne in 2012.

Patrick Tubby, chairman Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust, escorts Princess Anne up the stairwell at the lighthouse (Image: Steve Wright Photography)

Happisburgh was saved as a working lighthouse by the local community in 1990. It is the only independently operated working lighthouse in the UK.

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Patrick Tubby, chairman of trustees, said: "This is our third royal visit since the lighthouse was saved in 1990 - the initial salvation was marked with a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and, of course, the Princess Royal previously visited in 2010.  

David Vyse presents Princess Anne with a Happisburgh Lighthouse tea towel (Image: Steve Wright Photography)

“It's great to have the princess's continued patronage, and it is now pretty much 35 years since the campaign to save the lighthouse was started by villagers.  

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the lighthouse again from Easter."

Princess Anne with volunteers Michelle and Nigel Snelling, Louise Chapman and Jim Whiteside (Image: Steve Wright Photography)

Princess Anne was presented with a mounted lamp from the lighthouse by volunteer co-ordinator, Mike Birmingham.

Open days at the site are planned for Easter Sunday, April 30, May 7 and May 28, visit www.happisburgh.org.uk/lighthouse/open-days to book.

Volunteers and trustees gathered at the base of the lighthouse on the occasion of Princess Anne's visit (Image: Steve Wright Photography)

Princess Anne chats with Happisburgh Lighthouse volunteers (Image: Steve Wright Photography)