Princess Anne has been photographed walking barefoot during a touching royal visit to a Hindu temple.
Anne, 74, formally recognised the work of a Hindu community group in Northamptonshire, presenting them with the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service.
The Princess Royal visited the Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA) on July 17 to celebrate the charity’s decades-long contribution in the local area.
Photographs show that King Charles's younger sister removed her shoes out of respect.
Wellingborough District Hindu Association
|Princess Anne walks barefoot during touching royal visit to Hindu temple
In Hindu temples, shoes are removed before entering as a sign of respect and to maintain purity, both physically and spiritually.
Although the engagement took place earlier this month, details of the visit were only released on the WDHA website today.
Founded in the early 1970s, the WDHA was established by local volunteers who came together to create a community hub.
After years of determined fundraising, the group purchased a building that became the Sanatan Hindu Mandir — now a central meeting place for the community. "Mandir" is the Sanskrit word for a Hindu temple.
Wellingborough District Hindu Association
|During her visit, Princess Anne was welcomed with traditional Hindu customs, including a garland ceremony
A spokesperson for the association said: "Volunteers are an integral part of our success, and this award is in recognition of their valuable contribution."
During her visit, Princess Anne was welcomed with traditional Hindu customs, including a garland ceremony.
She was accompanied by James Saunders Watson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.
The royal guests met with volunteers and local dignitaries, and watched a vibrant folk dance performance celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.
Wellingborough District Hindu Association
|In Hindu temples, shoes are removed before entering as a sign of respect
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Wellingborough District Hindu Association
|Princess Anne visited the temple on July 17
A commemorative plaque was also unveiled to mark the special occasion.
The visit concluded with the formal presentation of the King’s Award.
Reflecting on the honour, WDHA Chair Vinod Patel said: "The visit helped to highlight generations of volunteers whose dedication made this possible."