Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal stopped by yesterday (Thursday, July 9), in a visit arranged by the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy.

This was to mark a significant chapter in the history of one of England’s last remaining family-owned Victorian tower breweries.

Schoolchildren lined the route as Her Royal Highness arrived at the main entrance on Brewery Lane, where she was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM.

READ MORE: Catholics argue Jeremy Clarkson ‘crossed a line’ in Clarkson’s Farm

Princess Anne visits Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire. (Image: www.daydreamequineart.co.uk)

The Hook Norton Brass Band played as Mrs Glasgow presented the chairman, Mr Jonathan Paveley, and Managing Director, Mr James Clarke, alongside a group of schoolchildren reflecting the brewery’s longstanding connection with the local community.

The visit held particular significance as Her Royal Highness last visited Hook Norton Brewery in 1999, when she unveiled a plaque that now stands in the Visitors Centre.

During today’s visit, she passed that same plaque before touring the brewery’s museum, retail facilities, restaurant, Engine Room and the newly restored Stable Courtyard.

The Princess Royal met staff, directors, local representatives and community figures during her tour.

These included Banbury MP Sean Woodcock and Oxfordshire County Council Chair Ted Fenton.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle ‘vows never to see Royal Family again’ in ‘revenge plot’

Princess Anne visits Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire. (Image: www.daydreamequineart.co.uk)

Also in attendance were the Chair of Cherwell District Council, Nigel Simpson, and the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Mr Jawaid Malik.

In the Stable Courtyard, Her Royal Highness met those involved in the brewery’s recent restoration project following the devastating fire in 2024, before proceeding to the stables to meet Hook Norton’s three celebrated Shire horses, Balmoral, Brigadier and Cromwell.

She was accompanied by representatives of the Shire Horse Society.

The visit concluded with Her Royal Highness unveiling a new plaque to mark the restoration, signing the visitor’s book and receiving a gift and posy.

Mr James Clarke, managing director of Hook Norton Brewery, said: “It was an absolute honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to the Brewery.

READ MORE: Michael Caine’s £9m riverside Oxfordshire manor taken off the market

Princess Anne visits Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire. (Image: www.daydreamequineart.co.uk)

“The occasion was to celebrate the Brewery’s 175th Anniversary, delayed by the stables fire in 2024.

“As well as a celebration of the Brewery, it was also very much a celebration of community and the Brewery’s longstanding relationship.”

Speaking after the visit, Mrs Glasgow said: “Hook Norton Brewery is one of Oxfordshire’s great treasures, and it was a real honour to welcome The Princess Royal back, nearly 27 years after her last visit, to see how it has continued to thrive.

“Her Royal Highness took a genuine interest in everyone she met, from the brewery’s long-serving staff to the schoolchildren who came to welcome her, and that warmth was very much felt by all present.

“Days like this remind us of the important role our historic institutions play in the life of a community, and we are delighted that the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy was able to arrange such a memorable occasion.”

Lewis Baker, 35, of Tadmarton, Milton Keynes, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court today (July 10) to 15 months’ imprisonment and a driving disqualification of ten years.

Baker pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and was found not guilty by a jury of one count of causing death by dangerous driving.

On September 9, 2023, Baker rode his motorbike through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire at dangerous speeds for sustained periods of time.

READ MORE: Oxford – Albanians guilty of attack outside kebab shop

His riding often exceeded 130mph on A roads and at times it exceeded 160mph, putting himself and other road users at serious risk of harm.

Baker himself stated to the courts that he had driven like a “menace”.

Senior investigator, Philip Hanham of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Dangerous riding puts lives at risk and can have the most devastating consequences.

“Baker’s riding was appalling and is the worst I have seen on a motorbike in all my 30 years as a police officer and investigator.

“Baker showed total disregard to the law, other road users’ safety.

“On day of this appalling riding, Baker was filming his dangerous riding with the intention of sharing with others. This showed his intent to ride in the dangerous manner that he was rightly sentenced for today.

“This case serves as a stark reminder that everyone who uses our roads has a responsibility to do so safely. Dangerous behaviour can and does change lives forever.”

Edwina Currie has stated “God help us all”, after a murder investigation was launched into the death of her former Oxford neighbour Ann Widdecombe.

The 78-year-old, who once served as a Conservative prisons minister, later sat in the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before going on to become a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

Before her frontline political career, she studied Latin at Birmingham University, then moved on to philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, where she became active in the Oxford Union.

Police confirmed that officers are currently searching for a white male suspect believed to be responsible.

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched into death of Ann Widdecombe

Edwina Currie. (Image: Tony Iley)

Edwina Currie, a former Tory minister, began her Westminster career at the same time as Ms Widdecombe, with both later serving in junior roles under John Major’s premiership.

As young women at Oxford, the pair occupied neighbouring rooms in student accommodation, building a friendship that endured well beyond their days at Lady Margaret Hall and into their political careers.

Responding to the launch of the murder inquiry, Ms Currie told followers on social media platform X that she was “full of horror” over the events.

She said: “A frail 78-year-old lady, and they’re looking for a white male. God help us all.”

Ms Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.

READ MORE: Princess Anne at Oxfordshire brewery for royal visit in Cotswolds

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Miss Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.

“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.”

The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

READ MORE: King Charles visits Oxford University college amid 700th anniversary

In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.

“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”

Miss Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”