A 100-year-old war veteran from the Battle of the Atlantic was moved to tears as Princess Anne delivered a moving speech honouring his former comrades.
Tony Cash, from Weymouth, served throughout the Second World War in the Merchant Navy and was a special guest at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
He journeyed to the capital with members of his family and some staff from the care home where he now lives.
The special service was in part commemorating the 80th anniversary of the naval battle which saw thousands of allied ships sunk during the war resulting in the deaths of 72,200 seamen.
Princess Anne delivered the speech in front of King Charles and Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.
READ: Weymouth war veteran invited to The Royal Albert Hall
Tony said: “It was an unforgettable day, I was first on stage and couldn’t quite believe it when I saw Princess Anne on stage with us all.
“Of course, she wasn’t there at lunch time when we did the first Remembrance event of the day. So, it was a big surprise for us all.”
Not only did Tony share a stage with the Princess Royal, but he was privileged to meet her Royal Highness privately backstage – years after meeting her for the first time.
He added: “After we came off stage Princess Anne stayed around to meet us. I was overjoyed to meet the royal princess again.
"When she saw my medals, she said ‘Mr Cash we have met before,’ I couldn’t believe she remembered me.
“What an amazing lady she is. The way she read her tribute was incredibly moving."
Tony, who celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year, lives at Weymouth Manor care home. He was overjoyed by the response his appearance at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance received.
He continued: “Of course, we did our part before the rest of country watched it on the BBC. It was so lovely coming home getting messages from family and friends all over the country who had tuned in to watch the festival and saw me on stage.
“I don’t think they expected to see me on stage with the Princess Royal either. My friends at Weymouth Manor were sending lovely messages to Esther and the team.
“I am so thankful to all my family and the staff we had a very special day. I will never forget it."
Tony’s daughter, Christine Smith was filled with pride for her father and also wanted to thank those at Weymouth Manor who helped make the day possible.
She said: “The whole family would like to say thank you to Esther, Louise and Sarah and all of the Weymouth Manor team for enabling Dad to attend this unforgettable event – an experience none of us will ever forget.
“We are so proud of you Dad."
Esther Sheppard was one of the key people involved in setting up and organising Tony's appearance at the event, and even admitted that she knew about Princess Ann but kept it from Tony to surprise him.
She added: “It was a privilege to be able to support Tony to attend this special day with some of his family.
“The entire home where all wishing him well. With care staff and residents not only watching it from Weymouth Manor but many care staff were at home with their families watching as well. Everyone is very proud of Tony.”
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