The show went on for a Suffolk horse conservation charity yesterday, despite the disappointment of the Princess Royal being unable to attend.

Anne, the Princess Royal, had been due to visit the Suffolk Punch Trust in Hollesley on Friday, but her visit was cancelled after the helicopter to transport her to the engagement developed a technical fault.

Her visit is due to be rearranged for another date.

READ MORE: Princess Anne cancels trip to Suffolk Punch Trust Hollesley

East Anglian Daily Times: The parade of stallions take place at the Suffolk Punch Trust on Friday The parade of stallions take place at the Suffolk Punch Trust on Friday (Image: Charlotte Bond)However, guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston and the Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk Mark Pendlington, still enjoyed a parade of stallions and a look around the trust's base at Sink Farm in St David's Lane, Hollesley.

The trust works to preserve the Suffolk Punch breed, which used to be a common sight pulling ploughs across the county's landscape.

Trust chair Andrew Fane spoke at the event about the Princess Royal's passion for horses and how she had 'international recognition in the world of the horse,' while the charity had been looking forward to the opportunity to show her the five stallions in the parade.

READ MORE: Princess Royal: Visit to Adnams in Southwold draws crowds

East Anglian Daily Times: The Princess Royal had been due to visit, but had to cancel due to technical issues with her helicopterThe Princess Royal had been due to visit, but had to cancel due to technical issues with her helicopter (Image: Charlotte Bond)He said: "A Royal visitor is always a great privilege and will be a great privilege when we manage to secure her ability to attend."

He also wished King Charles III a 'full and speedy recovery' following his recent cancer diagnosis.

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"May I thank all of us for playing such a vital role in enabling this to happen. I must thank our trustees and staff for their herculean efforts today in preparing for the visit."

Lady Clare said: "Enormous thank you to everyone for coming together. Aren't we lucky to see the trust in all its glory on a beautiful Suffolk morning?"

A trust spokesperson said: "All the guests at the Suffolk Punch stud are sadly disappointed that the Princess Royal was unable to join us.

"However, the chair Andrew Fane spoke most warmly of the Princess Royal's support for the trust and for the horses and for the endeavour that we are pursuing to preserve the breed.

"She promised to come again when she can."

READ MORE: Suffolk news