School children lined up on their best behaviour and waving union flags?

It could only be for a royal visitor – Her Royal Highness Princess Anne who visited the Rathfinny Wine Estate yesterday.

Often called the “hardest working royal” for the number of engagements she attends, the Princess Royal brought drama and grandeur to the occasion.

No doubt, most of the staff who met her yesterday would never have seen a blue-blood in real life, let alone have talked to one.

And so you can only imagine the excitement and sheer nervousness as the royal approached them in the line-up.

But lucky for them, she is well versed at putting people at ease and taking an interest in them, shown by the very natural way she chatted and joked with them.

It was an experience they will never forget and will tell their family and friends about it for years to come whenever the princess appears on TV.

And no doubt it will be the topic of conversation for the week for the 28 Year 5 and 6 pupils from Alfriston Primary School, more used to talking about Disney princess Elsa from Frozen, than the real deal.

Whatever your thoughts are about the monarchy, even the most-hardened republican can not deny their appeal and ability to give vital exposure to charity and civic events and achievements by local businesses such as Rathfinny.

And royal fever is only set to continue in the county when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry next Saturday and become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as widely reported but not yet confirmed.