Princess Anne 'shocked' by flood devastation

Residents in a storm-hit town have said the Princess Royal was left "shocked" by the devastation caused to their homes by flooding.

Princess Anne visited Lydney, in the Forest of Dean, which saw around 50 homes flooded in November 2024 during Storm Bert.

"She couldn't believe it. She was saying: 'How can you live in this?'," said 82-year-old Carol Pritchard, who told the princess she is still living in a caravan due to damage in her house.

"Your response has been quite extraordinary," the Princess Royal told residents and business owners.

Ms Pritchard said she had been flooded seven times since January 2008, with Storm Bert causing the most devastation - leaving 3ft (91cm) of water downstairs in her home.

Mrs Pritchard invited Princess Anne, who was holding a black umbrella, to come into her home to see the impact, which she accepted.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Pritchard said: "I wanted to show her exactly what I am up against, all the time.

"She was shocked. She couldn't believe it.

"It will be put back together again, but I'm convinced it will happen again."

Mrs Pritchard was initially living in temporary accommodation following the floods.

But the properties were booked for Christmas, meaning she had to buy the caravan to live in with her cocker spaniel Alfie, 14, in December.

"It's estimated that I will be back in my home in around May," she added.

The 74-year-old princess was welcomed to the high street where a number of shops and businesses are still boarded up due to damage.

She was shown repairs and building work at businesses, including a dance studio, and joined a reception of emergency services and council workers in a room used for respite during Storm Bert.

At the conclusion of her visit, the princess unveiled a plaque which will be placed on the bridge when repairs are completed, and gave a short speech paying tribute to the community for their support of each other.

"Your response has been quite extraordinary," she said.

"I hope that people will learn the right lessons and give you the help you so clearly need.

"There is no doubt that the very distinct place that Lydney is has its advantages in terms of your ability to cope."

The Princess Royal said she hoped the timing of her visit was acceptable, as it "didn't seem appropriate" for her to come earlier, when people were busy dealing with the storm's aftermath.

"May I say to all of you for pulling together so well, it is really impressive to see that response," she said.

"I very much hope you won't have to go through that experience again."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.