SHE has been a constant figure as the late Queen made her final journey through Scotland over the past few days.

As the Queen’s only daughter the Princess Royal was personally chosen by her mother to accompany her on last journey following the monarch’s death at Balmoral Castle.

On Wednesday Princess Anne joined her siblings as they walked behind the Queen’s coffin en route from Buckingham Place to lie in state at Westminster Hall.

However, known as one of the most hard-working members of the Royal Family, there was no rest for her on Thursday as she visited Glasgow to spend time with charities the Queen had been patron of and to view floral tributes which had been laid outside Glasgow City Chambers.

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A book of condolence was opened at the City Chambers and the public have been coming to leave their own thoughts and messages about the Queen over the past few days.

Accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Princess Royal was welcomed by Lord Provost Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant. 

The Princess Royal was greeted to cheers from the crowds who had gathered.

She took time to read some of the many floral tributes which had been left outside the City Chambers.

Among the charities which the Princess Royal was to have a private meeting with were Friends of Glasgow Cathedral, the Royal British Legion of Scotland, the YMCA and the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.

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Gina Lowe, from Charing Cross, remembers coming to George Square to see the Queen in her Silver Jubilee year in 1977.

“I brought my sons who were aged 10 and four at the time,” she said. “I’m here to pay my respects and to support the princess.”

The main reason for the visit was to meet representatives of charities the Queen had been patron.

On Thursday Mrs Lowe handed a note written for the princess with a tribute to the Queen.

Mrs Lowe added: "I was honoured that she accepted it and as she walked over to the City Chambers I could see her reading it. I was very touched."

Four-year-old Holly McBride had the chance to hand over flowers to the Princess Royal on Thursday during a visit to Glasgow.

Her mother Marie said her daughter had learned about the Queen through watching Peppa Pig and wanted to bring her to George Square to meet the princess.

While a little shy, the youngster handed over a simple bunch of pink daisies.

Mrs McBride, from Glasgow, said: "The princess asked if the flowers were for the tributes but I said no they were for her.

"We just wanted to bring her today and have been trying to explain what had happened in a way Holly would understand."

For Sharon McLintock, chairman of Milton Community Council, it was a dream come true when she was chosen to present a posie of flowers to the Princess Royal.
Mrs McLintock, 67, signed the book of condolence for the Queen in the presence of the princess. She said as a lifelong Royalist it was an honour.
“I’ve never met any of them but I have attended the Royal Garden party at the Palace of Holyrood House due to my charity involvement.
“I admire everything they stand for and I wanted to show my support for Princess Anne today.”
Mary Rodger, from Craigton was among those in the crowd waiting to catch a glimpse of the Princess.
She said: “I have always been a huge fan of hers and the work she does. I just wanted to show support for her after what she has done for her mother the past few days accompanying her coffin.”

Inside the City Chambers the princess spent time speaking to charities had been involved with.
She heard music from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and appeared moved by a poignant rendition of Loch Lomond from a young singer.
Dame Susan Bruce, chairman of the board of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra,  said they were very proud to have the Queen as their patron and during the visit the Princess Royal reflected on how much the Queen enjoyed music of all genres.
The Queen became patron in 1977, the year of her Silver Jubilee, and also the year Sir Alexander Gibson became the principal music director.
Dame Susan said: "It was a real privilege for us to have the Queen as our patron. The importance of having the royal support really gave us global prominence.
"When we moved to our new home in Killermont Street, the Queen sent us a lovely letter of support. While it is early days, we do hope there will be continuity and that connection with the Royal Family in some way."