The Princess Royal attends the first ever Accessible Regatta

The Regatta has been organised by the charities the Rivertime Boat Trust and Give Them a Sporting Chance, of which The Princess Royal is Guardian.

The event brought together over 350 young people with a wide range of disabilities, to enable them to have the same sporting opportunities other young people freely enjoy.

During the visit Her Royal Highness met a number of regatta participants and carers who were taking part in the races and activities - on the river and in the sports centre.

The river Thames had been transformed to allow a large number of accessible sports to take place. This included competitive bell boating, accessible sailing and powerboating, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

The Princess Royal was able to tour a wheelchair accessible boat, to see how those with disabilities can still enjoy water sports, before acting as starter for one of the Bell Boating races.

Afterwards Her Royal Highness presented medals to some of the participants.

The Princess Royal was joined at the event by a number of Olympians and Paralympians, who hope to inspire the next generation of Paralympians.

Anne Dickens is a para-canoeist who won a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

Before departing The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Rivertime Boat Trust. The Trust offers disabled and disadvantaged children and adults the opportunity to get out on the River Thames on their specially constructed boat.

Give Them a Sporting Chance offers those with disabilities and their carers an opportunity to turn their sporting and recreational dreams into reality.