Princess Anne graced an organization in Northamptonshire today as part of her busy schedule of engagements.
The 73-year-old royal was given a tour of the knife amnesty bin during her visit to the Off the Street Knife Crime Community Group in Wellingborough.
This group is dedicated to combating the issue of knives in the area.
During her time there, the esteemed sister of King Charles interacted with volunteers from Off the Street’s Northamptonshire chapter and listened to the harrowing stories of knife crime victims at the Hind Hotel in the Market Town.
Ravan Jones, a co-founder of Off the Street’s Northamptonshire branch, showcased to Princess Anne a blood control kit and the knife amnesty bin.
The Princess, known for her elegant updo hairstyle, was attired in a tweed jacket paired with a brown skirt.
She expressed her satisfaction at the increasing availability of blade control kits.
To mark her visit, Princess Anne unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Hind Hotel, which currently serves as the meeting place for Off the Street’s Northamptonshire gatherings.
The plaque will remain at the hotel until the organization secures a permanent location, prompting Anne to humorously remark on the challenge of finding a suitable spot for it.
Mr. Jones shared that the inception of Off the Street’s Northamptonshire chapter was spurred by the tragic death of 16-year-old Dylan Holliday, who fell victim to a fatal stabbing in August 2021.
Reflecting on the grim situation prevalent in the community, he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the community and law enforcement to effect significant change.
Notably, the organization has collected a staggering 3,000 knives through the 13 amnesty boxes strategically placed across the county by Off the Streets Northamptonshire.
During her visit, Princess Anne recognized and awarded certificates to individuals who have extended their support to the organization.
She also took the time to read her written pieces on knife crime to two local school children.
In a poignant social media post, 13-year-old Taylan Jones expressed his distress over the escalating fear of violence in public spaces, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to curb the rising threat.
He advocated for the revival of youth centers as a means to engage young people positively and deter them from engaging in destructive behaviors on the streets.