Princess Anne has apologised after cancelling two planned engagements in Northern Ireland because of technical issues with the aircraft due to fly her there.
The 75-year-old princess was scheduled to visit events in Holywood and south Belfast on Wednesday but was unable to travel as planned.
According to the BBC, a spokesman said the princess “apologised to any who were disappointed or inconvenienced as a result of the technical issues”.
They added that she hoped “to make arrangements to visit on another occasion”.
Princess Anne forced to apologise for cancelling two engagements in Northern Ireland
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Some of the guests who had expected to meet Anne were instead invited to a garden party at Hillsborough Castle later in the day.
The disruption came a day after schoolchildren in Liverpool were given a surprise when Anne’s helicopter landed on their playing field, allowing her to attend a reception at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.
Wearing a dark coat and a taupe feathered hat, Anne presented a 106-year-old military veteran with the British Empire Medal (BEM) at the garden party.
Norman Irwin is the oldest person ever to receive a BEM for voluntary work in his hometown of Coleraine, Co. Londonderry.
The Princess Royal attends the annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle during her visit to Northern Ireland
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Anne told him: “Thank you for telling your story and thank you for helping other people and being the founding member of REME (the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).”
Mr Irwin is the only living founding member of the organisation and has been active in a cross-community club for retirees for decades.
He first joined the Coleraine battery in 1939 before the outbreak of the Second World War and served throughout the conflict.
After the formation of REME, he was transferred to the corps and deployed to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal from German attack.
Princess Anne presenting 106-year-old veteran Norman Irwin with his British Empire Medal (BEM)
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Family members, including his son David, daughter-in-law Peggy, grandson Chris and granddaughter-in-law Chloe attended the ceremony as he was honoured with the medal.
David said: “He did so much for his country during the war as so many people did, and it's so amazing to see him getting this award. I'm incredibly proud being here today.
“He's such an amazing man, very cheeky, and he has done so much throughout his life. This is a really touching, really heartfelt moment. He is amazing. He's an incredible man.
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After presenting the medal, Anne mingled with guests in the castle gardens and planted a tree to mark the occasion.
The Princess’s spokesman said she looks forward to making a return trip to Holywood and south Belfast once new arrangements can be made.