THE Malvern Gazette was able to report royal visits both 25 and 50 years ago this week.

1n 1976, it was Princess Anne, who was the guest of honour at the Three Counties Show.

"The royal visit had the turnstiles clicking merrily away and the organisers were hopeful, in spite of rain on the second day, the record attendance for the event would be neared," said the paper.

The princess clearly received an enthusiastic welcome. She arrived by helicopter at the Abbey School playing fields, from where she was driven in an open-topped Land Rover to the showground.

She was "greeted by cheering crowds clustering around the vehicle. It had to stop several times before the actual ride and walk-about began".

The princess visited the rural crafts tent, YFC tent, cattle lines, dog show and showjumping event. She also presented medals to 14 workers, who had clocked up 650 years' service between them.

June 1951 saw a visit to Worcester Royal Porcelain Works by Princess Elizabeth, a year before she ascended to the throne.

She was shown around by C W Dyson Perrins "Malvern's most honoured resident and munificent benefactor", as the Gazette put it.

They toured the factory and porcelain museum, before the princess was presented with two coffee services of different designs.

After the princess left, the day ended with a ball at Malvern Winter Gardens attended by more than 1,000 Royal Worcester staff and their families.