‘I just told her what I think, and I know what everybody thinks,’ Dorothea Barron said

A 101-year-old veteran told Princess Anne that she is “an absolute brick for the family” to which she belongs, during a gathering at St James’s Palace on Thursday evening.

Dorothea Barron, who continues to work as a yoga instructor, served with the Women’s Royal Naval Service during World War Two.

She attended the Christmas Tea Party for The Not Forgotten Association, which supports veterans and service personnel who are suffering from injury and illness.

During the event, Ms Barron clasped Princess Anne’s gloved hand whilst conveying her respect. “I just told her what I think, and I know what everybody thinks: that she is an absolute brick for the family,” she said.

Princess Anne

The Princess Royal, Patron of the Not Forgotten Association, meeting veteran Dorothea Barron during a tea party | PA

The centenarian, who was in the WRNS from 1943 to 1945, praised the Princess’s tireless efforts and practical approach.

“She is working so hard, and I said, as a mother with a daughter, I have so much respect for her. She’s practical, she’s down to earth, and she’s a damned hard worker.”

Ms Barron emphasised that Princess Anne “has kept the family’s promise, her mother’s promise, and works her socks off.”

Frank Oldham, 106, also received a warm greeting from the Princess Royal during the festive gathering.

Princess Anne

The Princess Royal, Patron of the Not Forgotten Association, meeting veteran Frank Oldham, 106, during a tea party | PA

The former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers serviceman straightened in his wheelchair and beamed as Princess Anne engaged him in conversation alongside his daughter, who accompanied him to the event.

When the centenarian struggled to hear certain questions, he gestured towards his daughter to assist with responses.

A roving balloon artist crafted a snowman for Mr Oldham, who was the eldest veteran present at the celebration.

Reflecting on the experience, he described it as “just amazing” whilst surveying the ornate surroundings with wonder.

Princess Anne
Princess Anne hosted the tea party at St James’s Palace in London | PA

“You just can’t add to it,” he remarked, clearly moved by the grandeur of the historic venue and the special attention he received.

Richard Walker, who leads The Not Forgotten charity, spoke of the profound impact the royal visit had on former service personnel.

The chief executive described the occasion as a “mind-blowing” experience for veterans who had never visited such an illustrious setting before.

“It’s so beautiful to see,” Mr Walker observed whilst watching the festivities unfold. He noted that many attendees had witnessed the King’s Coronation broadcast and that the proclamation signing occurred on the very platform in the Throne Room.

Princess Anne

The Princess Royal hosts annual Christmas Tea Party at St James’s Palace | PAMr Walker stressed the significance of demonstrating to veterans “that people value their service and care.”

He characterised 2025 as marking a crucial transition, with the torch being handed from the World War Two generation to younger veterans.

“It’s a really important moment,” he explained, noting that six WW2 veterans were amongst the guests.

The Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, circulated amongst approximately 200 guests at the charitable gathering, fulfilling her duties as patron of The Not Forgotten.

The royal couple moved separately through three rooms, visiting 20 tables where veterans and their relatives were seated. Each guest received personal attention as the pair made their way through the assembly.