THE Princess Royal has spent thre hours in Taunton today (Thursday) as she officially opened the new building of the UK Hydrographic Office.

Princess Anne was quickly ushered inside as the heavens opened as she arrived at the Admiralty Way premises at 11am amid high security.

Inside she chatted to dignitaries and toddlers from the in-house nurses Mini Mariners before going on a tour of the building.

Following lunch she unveiled a plaque to mark her visit.