Princess Anne was present at glittering state banquet but absent after Trump’s arrival.

Princess Anne at the state banquet (Image: WPA POOL)

Royal fans were left wondering why Princess Anne was absent for the President and the First Lady’s arrival and lunch in the UK on Wednesday, but the Princess Royal was busy making an appearance of her own. Often nicknamed the ‘hardest-working’ royal, Princess Anne is known for her passion for causes important to her, the Firm, and wider society.

In her role as Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the Princess visited Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen earlier in the day as it celebrated the centenary of the appointment of Margaret Barr Fulton as the first qualified occupational therapist to work in the UK.

While there, Anne spoke to occupational therapy academic staff and students in Robert Gordon University’s clinical skills centre and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

The Princess Royal is Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (Image: Robert Gordon University)

A tree was also planted to mark 100 years since Margaret Barr Fulton was appointed to her position at what is now known as Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University, said: “We are delighted that The Princess Royal, as Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, has visited Robert Gordon University as we mark 100 years since Margaret Barr Fulton become the United Kingdom’s first qualified occupational therapist here in Aberdeen.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome The Princess Royal and give our students the opportunity to speak to Her Royal Highness and showcase the important clinical skills they are learning ahead of making a significant impact on the communities across the North East of Scotland and beyond.”

Odeth Richardson, Chair of Council, Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Head of Occupational Therapy at the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, said: “Today’s visit was a powerful reflection and showcase of the past, present, and future of occupational therapy. It was inspiring to meet current practitioners and the next generation of occupational therapists, whose innovation and dedication in the workforce will continue to shape the ongoing positive impact occupational therapy has on people’s lives.”

Princess Anne looked stunning at the state banquet (Image: WPA POOL)

Princess Anne had returned to London for the state banquet in honour of President Trump, and was accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

Princess Anne wore the Pineflower Tiara. It was thought to be a gift from Anne’s grandfather, King George VI, as an anniversary present for his wife, Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother).

Made by Cartier out of aquamarine and diamond elements set in platinum, it dates backs to before WWII and was later gifted to Anne by her grandmother as a wedding present.

Anne wore a sparkling off-white dress scalloped with lacy details, and finished off the look with white opera gloves.