IN PICTURES: Princess Anne arrives on Canvey Island for royal visit

HRH Princess Anne arrived in Canvey faced with a brisk November chill on Wednesday morning. (Image: Ethan Banks)

As royal patron of the organisation, she will meet with volunteer duty watchkeepers and attend a reception at the Island Yacht Club, where she will present four long-service awards and unveil a plaque.

The Princess Royal was greeted by dignitaries including Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris. (Image: Newsquest)

The National Coastwatch Institution provides "eyes and ears" along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a "listening watch" in poor visibility. It spans 60 stations and some 2,600 volunteers, who help "protect and preserve life at sea".

The volunteers are fully trained to deal with emergencies, offering a variety of skills and experience, to ensure high standards are met. This year, 816 incidents have been reported so far. 

Princess Anne met with volunteers from the National Coastwatch station. (Image: Newsquest)

Today's visit marks another royal occasion at Canvey this year, as Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, visited Charfleet Book Bindery on June 27.

She opened a new state-of-the-art bindery facility where bookbinders can continue turning printed paper into books and catalogues by hand or by using machines.

For more information about the National Coastwatch Institute, visit the website.