Princess Anne extended a special treat to Year Six pupils of Merchant Taylors' School when she arrived in style to attend a nearby commemorative event.
The Princess Royal travelled to the school in Crosby, Liverpool, aboard one of the Firm’s famous claret Leonardo AW139 helicopter.
Anne was attending a reception to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Ahead of the ceremony, her deep red and gold helicopter landed in the field of the nearby Merchant Taylors' School to the amazement of its students.
Princess Anne gives special treat to schoolchildren during visit with new royal insights shared
|PA
In a rare gesture to the inquisitive kids, the Princess Royal allowed them to approach the aircraft to inspect it and speak to the pilot.
Taking to social media, the school glowed: “A royal treat for Year 6!
“After Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field yesterday, our Year 6 pupils were given the rare chance to step up close to the impressive Leonardo AW139.
“The pilots kindly took the time to chat with them, answering their many questions and making it an experience they’ll never forget.”
A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁
— Merchant Taylors' Schools (@MerchantsCrosby) September 10, 2025
After Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field yesterday, our Year 6 pupils were given the rare chance to step up close to the impressive Leonardo AW139.
The pilots kindly took the time to chat with… pic.twitter.com/Pikq5crNFQ
A video accompanying the post showed the children circling the helicopter and speaking with the flight crew.
Sharing more information about the rare gesture, Merchant Taylors' School said the children were not allowed to sit in the helicopter.
However, they were treated to a “360° look around and a great chat with the pilots, who shared lots of interesting facts and information!”
The school added: “One of the pilots mentioned that the interior was Rolls Royce leather, so it may very well have been intentional.”
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Princess Anne is known for her no-nonsense attitude. | PAOne fan wrote on social media: “What a fantastic experience and such a beautiful aircraft.”
Another said: “A day they will never forget!”
Finally, someone commented: “Wow, how exciting for the children.
“Maybe some of them will be inspired to become helicopter pilots.”