Princess Anne’s Heartfelt Visit to Ellesmere’s Memorial Garden

In a delightful display of royal charm, Princess Anne recently graced the town of Ellesmere to unveil a commemorative plaque at the Memorial Garden dedicated to Eglantine Jeb and Dorothy Buxton.

The occasion was marked by an unexpected yet joyful interruption when a pair of ducks decided to make their presence known, much to the amusement of the gathered crowd.

As the Princess Royal engaged with local artist John Merrill, these amorous ducks waddled dangerously close, creating a light-hearted moment that was certainly not part of the day's agenda.

Their antics brought smiles to the faces of attendees, including local reporters who were on hand to cover the event.

It was a rare and amusing spectacle, showcasing the lighter side of royal visits.

Eglantine Jeb and Dorothy Buxton, sisters born in Ellesmere, were pivotal figures in establishing Save the Children over a century ago.

Princess Anne, a long-time patron of the charity, took the opportunity to honor their legacy.

Save the Children continues to play a crucial role in assisting vulnerable youth affected by war, famine, and other crises worldwide.

During her visit, the Princess met with dedicated volunteers who have tirelessly contributed to the memorial garden project.

Among them was Mrs. Corina Jeb, who has familial ties to the sisters as their great-niece.

She has been a driving force in fundraising efforts and established the local Save the Children office back in July 1968 from her home, aptly named The Lithe.

Mrs. Sheila Griffith, another founding member who helped Mrs. Jeb, reminisced about the early days of the group.

Together, they shared stories of how the organization flourished, particularly during Save the Children's 50th anniversary.

The enthusiasm back then was palpable, and it was evident that the spirit of community service remains strong.

As the day unfolded, Princess Anne's itinerary included a visit to the Maritime Museum of BC Collection and Archives in Victoria.

Accompanied by her husband, Sir Tim Lawrence, she is set to explore the museum on May 4, where they will meet with the board and delve into its extensive collection of maritime artifacts.

The museum's history dates back to a conversation between Prince Philip and museum officials during a royal visit in 1951.

His inquiry about a military museum on the West Coast led to the establishment of what would become the Maritime Museum of BC, a testament to the royal family's lasting influence on Canadian heritage.

On May 5, Princess Anne will also visit the Central Saanich facility of the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association, further showcasing her commitment to charitable causes.

This trip marks her return to Canada after previous visits to New Brunswick and Alberta last year, highlighting her ongoing connection to the country.

The Princess Royal's history with Canada is rich, having traveled here numerous times, including a notable trip in 1971 alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II.

During that visit, they explored various locations, including Nanaimo and Tofino, forging a lasting bond with the Canadian people.

At the heart of Princess Anne's visit to Ellesmere was the recognition of Eglantine Jeb and Dorothy Buxton's remarkable contributions.

Local artist Nick Eames reflected on the Princess's genuine admiration for the sisters, noting her clear understanding of their impact and legacy.

In addition to her engagements in Ellesmere, the Princess began her day at the Cavalier Centre near Muchwenlock.

There, she met with volunteers and presented seven King's Awards for Voluntary Service, celebrating the invaluable contributions of those dedicated to helping others in their communities.

Princess Anne's visit not only commemorated the achievements of two remarkable women but also highlighted the enduring spirit of volunteerism and community service that thrives in Ellesmere and beyond.

Her presence served as a reminder of the importance of giving back and honoring those who have made a difference.