A PRINCESS made a surprise visit to the opening day of a flower festival at a Mill Hill church on Thursday.

Princess Alexandra, the sister of the Duke of Kent, popped into John Keeble Church in Deansbrrok Lane for the start of their four day festival to celebrate Pentecost.

She chatted with a group of women who had made flower arrangements and was shown around the church during her visit.

Canon Chris Chivers, the church’s vicar, said: “It was great, a fantastic experience for everyone at the church. She spoke to absolutely everyone. It was a surprise for the ladies.

“She has an interest of flower arranging so was able to chat to them about what they had put together.”

His four-year-old son Jonathan also presented the princess with a bouquet.