UNION Jacks were waving when The Princess Royal paid a visit to two Haslemere schools.

The day started with the princess arriving in Haslemere by helicopter which landed in the playing fields at Woolmer Hill School.

Watched by the school's prefects, the princess was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Sarah Goad.

Woolmer Hill's headteacher, Sue Bullen, and the head boy and head girl Robert Maisey and Alexandra Virley, were presented to the princsess outside the school.

Mrs Bullen told The Herald that the princess had commented on the beautiful setting of the school grounds and spent a few moments chatting to the head boy and girl, asking them how they had been chosen for their roles.

"The Princess Royal was very gracious, and it was a pleasure to be of help," Mrs Bullen said.

The Princess Royal and the Lord Lieutenant were then whisked off to The Royal School for the prize day and were greeted by an excited crowd.

The princess had been invited by The Royal School to be guest of honour at the prize day last Friday.

She delighted all the pupils and staff members to whom she was introduced and spent time talking and learning more about life at the school.

The headteacher, Lynne Taylor-Gooby, chairman of The Royal School's governors Amanda Haddon-Cave, deputy headteacher Karen Owen and Waverley's mayor, Victor Duckett, were among those introduced to the princess.

They were joined by pupils from The Royal School's nursery, reception, prep one and two classes who were waving Union Jack flags. Youngster Chloe Garrett presented the princess with a posy.

After greeting the crowds, the princess and school staff went into the packed sports hall, which bears Princess Anne's name, for the prizegiving ceremony. Among the guests was the school's oldest living former pupil, Eleonde Muir, 100, who started at the school in 1915.

During the course of the prizegiving ceremony, the guest of honour was entertained by the senior and junior choirs as well as witnessing pupils being presented with their GCSE and A-level certificates.

Afterwards the princess presented five junior and 60 senior pupils with prizes for their achievements in sport, music, drama, academic and personal attainment.

The Princess Royal, who resumed her presidency of The Royal School in January, then addressed the hall and said how how pleased she was to return to the school which she had last visited in 1986.

The princess also encouraged the girls to take every opportunity that the school offered them, to learn and grow as individuals and also spoke about the role of women in today's society and especially in the Royal Navy.

"It was an inspiring speech, but very down to earth," said the head girl, Susannah Webster.

"I was nervous about giving the vote of thanks but when I listened to the princess talking about achievement, it made me feel more confident. I feel so proud to be part of The Royal School."

After the ceremony, the princess was then introduced to small groups of staff, parent governors and pupils.

Mrs Taylor-Gooby told The Herald that everyone at the school was delighted by the visit and was especially pleased that the princess took the time to chat to the pupils to whom she had presented prizes.

"Our school community is large and far-flung; we were pleased to see girls come back from America, the Far East and their various universities to join us," she said.

"It is very important to recognise the achievements of the girls, and the presence of Her Royal Highness made the occasion particularly special."