The Princess Royal made a flying visit to Sussex over the weekend.

She spent Saturday afternoon at Hickstead's Royal International Horse Show after arriving by helicopter.

The Princess Royal, a former British Olympic horse-rider, wore a blue blazer, plaid pleated skirt and dark glasses.

Attending the event in her capacity as president of the British Horse Society, she chatted to BHS members, including the society's regional officer for London and the South East, Pat Gaywood.

Mrs Gaywood said: "When the princess retires from her presidency next year she will be very sorely missed. She is brilliant and a great ambassador for us."

BHS trustee Marie Stokes, from Rye, also met the Princess Royal. She said: "The princess is a true horsewoman."

The princess was presented with posies by eight-year-old William Bunn, son of Hickstead's co-director Edward Bunn, and Eleanor Brown, five, Edward's niece.

Mr Bunn said: "William was very excited about meeting the princess. He bought a new outfit and he couldn't sleep at all the night before. He's been practising his bowing for days."