Princess Anne took part in a live firearms demonstration at one of the UK’s leading suppliers.
The Princess Royal visited Viking Arms in Harrogate, Yorkshire, where she opened the company’s new warehouse facility on Tuesday, October 1.
During the visit, Princess Anne toured the company’s state-of-the-art facilities, and met with staff members to learn about their contributions to the UK defence industry.
Her Royal Highness also took part in a live demonstration with Rich Fell, Viking Arms’ Glock armourer and specialist firearms trainer. The demonstration showcased the disassembly of the Glock 17 Gen Four, the standard sidearm used by British Armed Forces since 2013.
Princess Anne and Viking’s specialist glock expert Rich Fell
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Princess Anne examining the scope
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Managing director Sam Macarthur said: “We were deeply honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Viking Arms. It was a privilege for the entire Viking family, including our founder Mrs Brown, to share our journey with Princess Anne.
“The Princess Royal took the time to engage with our team, showing genuine interest in how we support the British military and police with cutting-edge defence technology. We are incredibly grateful for her visit.”
Earlier this week, Princess Anne visited Ladywell Mills, in the Bowling area of Bradford, a key site of textile specialist, The SIL Group.
The group employs almost 300 people across multiple UK sites, with a supplier and customer network spanning more than 50 countries.
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Princess Anne being shown around the Yorkshire facility
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Princess Anne at the Yorkshire facility
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The most recent YouGov polling ranks Princess Anne as the joint third most popular member of the Royal Family with Prince William, behind Queen Elizabeth II in first and Princess Catherine in second.
She is regularly referred to as the hardest-working royal, having carried out the highest number of public engagements in 2023.
However, she rarely sits down for an interview, and when she does, it is normally to promote her causes and parsonages rather than give any information about her life or the Firm.
However, she is known for sourcing high quality clothing materials and having them made into outfits, which she then wears for years, and sometimes decades.
Princess Anne with the team at Viking Arms
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She told Vanity Fair magazine in 2020: “I still try and buy materials and have them made up because I just think that’s more fun. It also helps support those who still manufacture in this country. We mustn’t forget we’ve got those skills, and there are still places that do a fantastic job.”
