With 2006 rapidly approaching, some of the world's leading royals have been putting down firm roots for the year ahead.
Jordan's elegant Queen Rania delighted children in a park near her home in Ammam when she went along to plant a tree earlier this week. Thousands of miles away in Britain, meanwhile, Princess Anne was likewise showing off her horticultural skills as she paid a visit to Neptune Wood in Oxfordshire.
The Jordanian royal, who was looking characteristically chic in head-to-toe black, took her daughter Princess Salma and baby son Hashim along when she stepped out on Monday afternoon. A large group of youngsters gathered around the family upon their arrival for the tree-planting ceremony, which was staged in remembrance of last month's bomb attacks in the city.
Princess Anne also caused quite a stir when she turned up for her latest public appearance in a £115,000 Bentley Continental. The Princess Royal, who has recently taken possession of the luxury runabout, was obviously determined to drive the vehicle herself, as her protection officer and lady-in-waiting were both relegated to the passenger seats.
Anne was guest of honour at a ceremony to commemorate all of those who have served on board the HMS Neptune warships down through the years. The Oxfordshire forest provided much of the wood for Lord Nelson's naval fleet, so this year's Trafalgar Day celebrations have been particularly important for local authorities.
After doing her bit to support the Northmoor Trust by planting a new sapling, Anne indulged in the tradition of "toasting the wood" with a tot of rum. She took care not to imbibe too much, though, as she was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of her 200mph vehicle.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
