REPORT: JUBIDA BEGUM
I t was all hands on deck as notable figures including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh brought the coronation festivities to a close when they took part in The Big Help Out last week, encouraging people around the country to volunteer in their communities in tribute to the King’s public service.
Signing up for a day of furry fun, Prince Edward and wife Sophie were in cheerful spirits as they joined a puppy training class at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training Centre in Reading, Berkshire.
PUPPY LOVE
It wasn’t all work and no play for the Duchess, who is also patron of the charity – she was smothered with kisses from labradors and golden retrievers when she entered the pop-up Coronation Café, leaning down to stroke one of the pups as the royal couple learnt how dogs are trained to handle busy coffee-shop environments.
Doing her bit, the Princess Royal greeted guests as she attended a county civic service in Gloucester Cathedral to recognise local volunteers. Stealing the show in a teal-blue coat, Princess Anne was pictured shaking hands as she attended the service of celebration with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Volunteer Mandy Bishop said it was an honour to meet the Princess. “For her to be here to acknowledge us and what we do – it is a feeling I can never describe,” she said, while Hash Norat from Gloucester Feed the Hungry added: “It is humbling. She is one of our lasses, she is a Gloucester girl.
“I’d never met a royal, so today is very special.”
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duches
