'Great honour' as Princess Anne steps aboard HMS Warrior on Portsmouth royal visit - pictures

Princess Anne stepped aboard HMS Warrior at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard during one of the most important dates in the Nato calendar.

Her Royal Highness joined senior defence industry figures and other dignitaries aboard the warship last week. The dinner on June 24 marked the penultimate evening of the UK NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) plenary.

Two weeks prior to a crucial NATO summit in Ankara, the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) Portsmouth plenary meeting which preceded the dinner has been an opportunity for this group to discuss the industrial challenges facing NATO in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the increasing threat posed to Europe by Russia.

The Portsmouth plenary, the first such held in the UK this century, addressed key issues such as agreeing ways to increase defence industrial production capacity, build up war-ready stockpiles and deliver battle-winning capabilities to deal with threats from Russia and other adversaries.

Sign up for The Week in Defence with Freddie Webb - our newsletter rounding up the sector’s must-read stories

The NIAG plenary was delivered by ADS, a trade association for aerospace and defence businesses. Director Samira Braund said: “It was a great honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the UK NATO Industry Advisory Group Plenary in Portsmouth.

“Her long-standing support for our armed forces and the industry that supports them was clearly felt, and we hugely appreciate the time and commitment she has shown over many years in championing the sector that helps keep our nation safe and our alliances strong.”

Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Abdul Kadir, said the city was “incredibly proud” to hose such a significant Nato event. “As the home of the Royal Navy and a city with centuries of maritime and military heritage, Portsmouth has long played a vital role in supporting the UK’s defence and our international partners,” he added.

“Being chosen as the location for the UK to host this event, particularly as Portsmouth celebrates 100 years as a city, reflects our proud military history and continued contribution to global security. The opportunity for local industry, including SMEs, to showcase their work during the Industry events reflects the incredible capability and potential of our Portsmouth defence and security organisations who are often leading the world with technology and innovation.

"It is a real honour to welcome delegates from across NATO as they work together to strengthen resilience and respond to the evolving challenges facing Europe and the wider world.”