On arrival, HRH The Princess Royal was formally presented by Vice Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Sir Christopher Legard, to Carers Plus Yorkshire Vice Chair of Trustees Dorn Pryce, Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth McPherson, North Yorkshire Council’s Corporate Director for Health and Adult Services Abigail Barron and Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby Alison Hume.

HRH The Princess Royal spoke with Elizabeth McPherson on the charity’s latest developments and its 30th anniversary year of supporting unpaid carers. Elizabeth outlined the geographical area covered by the charity, securing funding and the importance of the charity’s skilled and experienced staff in supporting carers with increasingly complex needs. Elizabeth also spoke about the charity’s approach of taking support out into local communities and unpaid carers’ homes, rather than operating from a dedicated centre, as well as the ongoing challenges around access to respite for unpaid carers and issues that young carers face today.

HRH The Princess Royal then made her way into the main hall to greet and speak with guests from across the charity’s services, including Adult Carers, Armed Forces Carers, volunteers, staff members, and Trustees, hearing first-hand about the charity’s work and the difference it makes to unpaid carers and their families.

To conclude the formal proceedings, HRH The Princess Royal graciously cut a celebration cake, with a light-hearted quip, that the cake would only be cut if guests were to eat it. Carers Plus Yorkshire extends its sincere thanks to all the clients who joined the celebration.

Elizabeth McPherson stated “It was a real honour to finally welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Carers Plus Yorkshire and introduce her to our staff, trustees, carers and volunteers. Throughout the visit, HRH The Princess Royal was incredibly warm and engaging, taking an interest in our work and the people we support. It was a very special day for everyone at Carers Plus Yorkshire and one that we will remember for many years to come”.