As hundreds of soldiers marched through Winchester last week, it was hard not to feel immense pride in our city.
Not only did the Royal Logistic Corps do the city proud, with their immaculate uniforms and impeccable parading, the sun shone as if summer might finally be here and the streets were lined with residents all keen to share in the moment.
Families looked on eagerly to see loved ones, small children waved Union flags (left over from the Coronation) and one woman had even brought a bouquet of flowers.
A Chinook flew overhead, and then minutes later, royalty emerged onto the Broadway in front of the Guildhall, with Princess Anne, the regiment's Colonel in Chief, coming to inspect the troops.
READ MORE: Royal Logistic Corps soldiers parade in Winchester
The event was being held to mark 30 years of the Royal Logistic Corps being in Winchester, as they were granted freedom of the city by the council.
After the inspection, the crowds packed out Winchester Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving, before returning for a private reception in the Cathedral grounds.
The event was just perfect. Smart, proud soldiers hosted the guests as the Princess made her way around the room.
She was wonderful, stopping and speaking to everyone there.
Usually, I am in the background, notepad in hand, however the opportunity to meet one of my most admired royals was too much - and when she approached my 'station', I stayed put for her to talk to me.
Everyone introduced themselves, and I told her proudly that I was the editor of the Hampshire Chronicle, a great supporter of Worthy Down, and that the last time we met was more than 16 years ago when I was in the first year of a media and journalism course at Highbury College.
She listened, and said: "You stuck with it then!" - and my admiration for her grew immensely.
SEE ALSO: Winchester Freedom Parade: 19 photos of Royal Logistic Corps event
It was a great moment and one which I proudly sent to all my family on WhatsApp later.
My daughter was most enamoured when I told her I had met an actual Princess. Aurora, Ariel and Moana move over - I know a real-life one.
I watched as the Princess Royal greeted every single person in the room, making everyone feel special, and in turn making an already wonderfully momentous occasion for the Royal Logistic Corps and for Winchester even more magical and memorable.
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