Photographs have been released of HRH, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne’s visit to a Ross-on-Wye business last week (July 19).

Ross-on-Wye based SafeLane Global (SafeLane) counters explosive and hazardous material threats.

They are experts in clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war. During Princess Anne’s visit, she was introduced to directors and staff, as well as Mayor of Ross Ed O’Driscoll.

She was demonstrated manual demining techniques, canine detection of explosives, and reviewed multiple items of ordnance that SafeLane has rendered safe during its operations across land and marine environments globally.

Acting CEO Rob Hunter told the Gazette: “It was an honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to SafeLane’s headquarters in Ross-on-Wye.  Her Royal Highness took a deep interest in our global portfolio of explosive threat mitigation operations and enjoyed the practical demining demonstration and explosive ordnance presentation that staff gave her.” He added: “We will remember the Princess Royal’s visit for a long time, and collectively we all thank her for taking the time to visit us on what was the hottest day ever recorded in Great Britain.”

PA to the CEO Julia Lythaby said: “When we were first told we had been accepted for a royal visit, it felt like a pretty daunting thing to organise.  But all the apprehension and worry melted away when we saw her helicopter circling the office to come in to land. The visit was such an uplifting experience, not only for me but for all the staff in the office and it was a real highlight of my long career with the company and one to be remembered for a long time to come.”

Project executive Rachel Hewlett said: “In the moment, I completely forgot my etiquette and greeted Her Royal Highness with ‘Hi!’” She added: “HRH took a lot of interest in what each of us was saying and even shared some of her own experiences of some of the countries where we operate.”

Bid writer Victoria Mince reflected on the visit, she said: “It was really good to see how genuinely interested Princess Anne seemed in the company and the work we do.”