Today, Her Royal Highness is a relatively regular visitor to Boston, but in 1977 she was the first senior royal figure to visit the town that century and thousands turned out for the occasion.
It had been thought that these photographs were among those that were permanently damaged in the flood of 2013. A large number of boxes of negatives suffered water damage that night, leaving The Standard with gaps in its archives. However, the film for this event had not been stored with the rest of those from 1977, but kept in a tray with negatives from various years and events. They were rediscovered a few years ago – too late for the 40th anniversary, but in time for the 45th. Here are a selection from the first part of the Princess’ visit.
13. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
Sir Sydney, pictured (left) outside Pilgrim Hospital, was introduced to the Princess by Captain Henry Nevile, the then Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. Photo: Boston Standard
14. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
Members of every branch of the hospital's staff were among the invited guests who lined the reception hall at the hospital to watch Sir Sydney greet Princess Anne at the main doors. Photo: Boston Standard
15. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
In asking the Princess to unveil a commemorative plaque in the foyer, Sir Sydney said: "This plaque will record for many people for a long time to come the happy day they spent here with you." Photo: Boston Standard
16. Official opening of Boston's Pilgrim Hospital, 1977
Princess Anne signs the visitors' book. She is pictured with a silver bowl, presented to her by David Thomas, chairman of the Lincolnshire Area Health Authority, and a bouquet of flowers, presented by sister N. Barker, a long-serving member of staff. Photo: Boston Standard