THE Princess Royal remained tight-lipped about the imminent arrival of the Royal baby yesterday during a visit to a charity.

Princess Anne arrived by helicopter and was then taken by car to the Milton Heights base of learning disability charity Hft (formerly known as the Home Farm Trust) near Abingdon just hours after it was announced the Duchess of Cambridge had gone into labour.

She was there to present certificates to seven adults with learning disabilities who had completed a year-long hospitality and catering course, known as Bytes, as patron of the charity since 1982.

Hft chief executive Robert Longley-Cook said nothing was said about the Royal baby, but added: “We did say if you need to make a phone call you can. She said ‘no that is fine’.”

He added: “It was a very successful visit. When she visits she always spends longer than expected.

“She was saying that she was really pleased to see the real outcomes for the people we support – making progress to jobs and getting into jobs and what a real breakthrough that is.

“She is looking forward to seeing the progress in the future, encouraging us to keep on pushing the boundaries.”

The Bytes hospitality and catering course is in its fourth year and takes place over a year at the charity’s base in Potash Lane.

As part of the course, which is based on the NVQ entry level exam, students take part in an eight-week work placement with local businesses.

Businesses thanked at the reception included Milton Hill Hotel group, Elsevier publishers, Didcot Power Station, Taylor and Francis publishing, Beard construction and the Four Pillars Hotel.

Byte graduate Katy Anne Perugia, 31, has managed to secure work experience at the Four Pillars Hotel in Abingdon for one day a week thanks to the course.

She was presented with her certificate by Princess Anne.

Ms Perugia, who has learning disabilities, said: “I thought she was lovely. She said ‘what do you like to cook?’ and I said pasta. She said ‘lovely’.”

Hft supports 174 people in Oxfordshire by providing residential and domiciliary care, supported living in their own home, as well as short breaks and day services.

All about Hft

Hft is a national charity which supports people with learning disabilities and their families.

It was formed in 1962 by a group of parents who bought Frocester Manor in Gloucestershire, creating a home where their children could be supported. The charity now supports more than 1,400 in the country, including almost 200 in Oxfordshire.

Hft helps people with learning disabilities to develop skills through jobs and volunteering, make friends, manage their money and helps them get involved in the community.

It also offers residential care as well as supported living and short breaks.