Princess Anne was in County Fermanagh on Thursday where she met military veterans, health workers and young cadets during her 65th official visit to Northern Ireland.
The Princess Royal, who has now made three visits to Northern Ireland this year, spent the day supporting ex-service personnel while recognizing the communities dedicated to preserving the region’s history and heritage.
One of the key stops on her itinerary was the Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Center near Fivemiletown, where she met veterans and emergency workers who benefit from the centre’s rehabilitation programmes.
The facility offers support to serving and retired members of the armed forces as well as police, prison and emergency workers with a strong focus on mental health and recovery.
During a tour led by chief executive Joan Clements, the princess spoke to staff, volunteers and veterans about the centre’s work.
She also visited its therapeutic gardens, where participants grow fruit, vegetables and flowers as part of a horticultural therapy program designed to improve well-being and rebuild confidence after trauma.
Head gardener Dougal Dorman said the princess showed a genuine interest in the project, taking an interest in gardening and asking questions about seasonal crops and how the gardens contribute to recovery.
Later in the day she traveled to Irvinestown where she visited Derryvullen North Parish Church and Sacred Heart Church where she greeted local residents and parish representatives before taking part in commemorative duties in connection with the 85th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Cadets.
In her role as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Princess paused to pay her respects at the graves of RAF personnel buried in both cemeteries.
