PRINCESS Anne visited Winchester yesterday to pay tribute to those working in the country’s shipping industry.

The Princess Royal attended the Shipping Festival Service at Winchester Cathedral last night (June 13), organised by the Southampton Master Mariners’ Club.

She was welcomed by sea cadets from Southampton and Winchester and music from the Southampton Albion Band.

The Princess Royal also performed the lesson – a reading from John 21.1-14, about Jesus appearing to his disciples following his resurrection, while they are fishing.

It was followed by The Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton, ministered the service and talked about the importance of sea industries.

He said: “Nearly 90 per cent of world trade is carried by the sea. Thirty million people earn a living, a hard living, through fishing. Shipping work is, in so many ways, a reason for gathering tonight to give thanks to God. It is truly international in its impact, influence and day to dayness.”

It was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, the mayors of Winchester and Southampton and other dignitaries.

The Princess Royal is a ‘Stowaway’ of the club, aka an honorary member, along with her father Prince Philip.

The service has been held each year since 1930, apart from a break during World War Two and standard bearers will be involved in the ceremony.

Proceeds from the collection taken during the service will be divided equally between the Southampton Seafarers’ Centre and Winchester Cathedral.