Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra said it has been an ‘honour and a privilege' to be the President of Royal Star & Garter, after marking 60 years with the veterans’ charity.

The Princess, who took the role in 1964, said in a special message that the charity has always been close to her heart and always will be.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.

It has also launched new services into the community.

Princes Alexandra became President of the charity following the death of her predecessor, Field Marshal the Viscount Alanbrooke of Brookeborough KG, GCB, in 1963.

She was already well-acquainted with the work of the charity, as it had been set up by her grandmother Queen Mary in 1916 to care for severely injured young men returning from WWI.

In her message, the Princess said she had enjoyed her many visits to the Homes – first at Richmond, and later at Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe – and always looked forward to spending time with residents and staff.

Royal Star & Garter Chair, Major General Tim Tyler, said: “Her visits to our homes are greatly anticipated, and the Princess takes the time to talk to residents and staff.

"It is one example of the incredible generosity she has displayed over the past six decades.

“We are honoured to have the Princess as our President.”