PRINCESS BEATRICE has paid a visit to a Scots charity for sick children in her first official engagement since becoming its patron in July.

She met staff, patients and parents at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation in Edinburgh as she toured a drop-in centre and learned about the foundation's work supporting families and buying equipment for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

The hospital was opened more than 150 years ago by her namesake, Princess Beatrice. Foundation chief executive Maureen Harrison said: "It's hugely beneficial to have such a high-profile and lovely patron."

Picture: Gordon Terris