A Very Royal Occasion!

The was a tangible buzz in the air upon the arrival of HRH Princess Anne and Sir Tim to the Africa Mercy a few weeks ago. The ship was cleaned to within an inch of its life (thumbs up Crew Services!) and everyone was talking about "the Princess". Princess Anne was visiting Sierra Leone as one of her many charitable visits throughout the world. Above are our Managing Director Donovan and his wife, Mae greeting the Princess. Princess Anne requested a meet and greet of crew from a variety of the ship's departments and all different nationalities. I really tried hard but we didn't get a look in!

Princess Anne greeting a patient in the hospital.

Jessica was more fortunate than Andrew and I, as the Princess did a tour of the Mercy Ships Accademy. I had to fight to get Jess in a dress. The kids that were a part of the British Commonwealth were told they needed to bow or curtsey if addressed.

The little kids were not quite so easily impressed!

The Princess was a no nonsense, no fuss type of lady and insisted that we all go about our daily business and remain a "working ship". Above she makes an impromptu walk through of the internet cafe area. I was able to stand and watch her greet many of the crew for quite some time.

When we came to Mercy Ships, seeing famous people was not something that we considered but it certainly adds a bit of excitment to life and is further cementing this season of our lives as the adventure of a lifetime!