Princess Anne begins her official visit to Hong Kong in 1971 – from the SCMP archive

Princess Anne, radiant in a stylish knee-length beige suit and a matching wide-brimmed hat, flew in yesterday (October 26, 1971) to a warm welcome from the people of Hong Kong.

She begins her official visits today (October 27, 1971) – a public holiday – when thousands of people will be able to see her during her calls at places like the Tung Wah Hospital, the Po Leung Kuk and the ancient Man Mo Temple.

The Princess, who has heard a lot about this “Pearl of the Orient” from her father, will do a little sightseeing, and perhaps a little shopping too in Sheung Wan, a district which boasts a history almost as long as that of the Colony itself.

“Absolutely thrilled” about coming to Hong Kong, Princess Anne had her first look at Kowloon as her RAF VC-10 landed smoothly from the Lion Rock end of Kai Tak.

Then, shunning the comparative luxury of the state room of the Royal launch, she stayed on the open deck for the 10-minute harbour crossing, obviously fascinated by the view and the unique reception accorded her by the many sampans, junks, walla-wallas and other craft.

Just after she stepped on to Queen’s Pier for a brief official welcome, thousands of people who had been waiting around Edinburgh Place for about an hour had their first glimpse of the Princess as she walked to the dais to take a salute from a guard of honour.

‘Hitched ride’

The Princess’ first day in this part of the world and her first solo official visit to the Far East began in Bangkok, where she stayed overnight en route from Turkey.

Then on the journey to Hong Kong she chose not to use a royal flight. Instead, as one official put it, “she hitched a ride” on a RAF VC 10.

The jetliner touched down on schedule in brilliant sunshine and the Princess, looking alert and composed, stepped off the plane precisely at 3pm.

She was greeted by the Acting Governor, Sir Hugh Norman-Walker, who presented to her other officials and community leaders.

After a brief reception at the airport, the Princess boarded the Lady Maurine for the first of several harbour crossings she will make during her week-long visit.

As the launch churned across the harbour, HMS Tamar, the visiting HMS Eagle and the 14th/20th King’s Hussars – from the battery at Blackhead Promontory at Tsim Sha Tsui – fired a 21-gun salute.

Looking about her, the Princess was interested in two Russian ships lying alongside the Kowloon Docks for repairs. Then she saw a passing junk resplendent with sail.

In mid-harbour, Sir Hugh explained to her the barge that is laying the cross-harbour tunnel – a craft named after the famous river in west England, the Severn River.

Then the launch passed by an American warship, the destroyer USS Carpenter, which, like other craft in the harbour, was bedecked with flags and bunting.

As the Lady Maurine pulled up alongside Queen’s Pier, the Princess stepped on to the pier and, escorted by the Commander British Forces, Lieut-General Sir Richard Ward, she took the salute of a Guard of Honour from the 1st Bn, the Irish Guards.

Sir Hugh presented to her the small group of military officers and dignitaries before she stepped into the Governor’s open limousine for the drive to Government House.

While the car drove slowly into Murray Road, the smiling Princess waved to the people lining both sides.

Some of the spectators clapped, but most were rather reserved, though by no means unappreciative and uninterested.

The “Star” ferry concourse and the City Hall open foyer were packed to capacity, and more crowds, at some points seven to eight deep, pressed against barricades.

Cheered

Rooftops of the multi-storey car park, the Star Ferry Pier, the City Hall elevated walk and the buildings in HMS Tamar were filled with spectators.

As the gleaming motorcade rolled up Cotton Tree Drive a group of 50 children and housewives from families of British forces broke into cheers and waved enthusiastically.

“I have never seen her before in England,” said one woman, Mrs E. Nottage, of Lancashire, “she looks much prettier than I thought I saw on TV.”

Outside Government House, there was another group of children extending a cheerful welcome to the Princess.

The Princess smiled and waved back as the limousine entered the grounds of Government House.

Princess Anne spent a quiet evening and had dinner with the Acting Governor at Government House.