THE Princess Royal helped make it a right royal couple of days for York.

Princess Anne visited the Merchant Adventurers' Hall yesterday for a private event - just a day before her brother, the Duke of York, was due to arrive at the Minster this afternoon to boost its fundraising appeal.

The Princess was attending a Christmas event for the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, of which she is Master. The organisation encourages high standards in officers of the British Merchant Navy and promotes friendly co-operation between it and the Royal Navy.

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, December 07, 2005