Princess Diana visits Taunton in April 1991

The Princess stepped out of a green Jaguar to greet the well-wishers at 1.30pm, having previously visited the newly-opened Sedgemoor Splash pool in Bridgwater, and the Six Acres Day Centre in Roman Road, Taunton.

She was introduced to the Mayor and Mayoress of Taunton, Peter and Annette Lee, council chief executive Peter Berman and his wife Anne, and Taunton MP David Nicholson and his wife Frances, too.

The first member of the public she spoke to on her walkabout was four-year-old Oliver Forster-Burnell, from Bishops Lydeard, at the north end of the High Street.

The youngster gave her a bunch of chrysanthemums and lilies, a Mars bar and a kiss on the hand.

“The Princess asked Oliver if he always kissed ladies,” said his mother Julie.

“To which he replied ‘yes’.”

GREETING: Princess Diana meets a Taunton youngster

DELIGHT: This Taunton well-wisher can't believe it!

JOY: Princess Diana at the Six Acres Day Centre

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BUCKINGHAM Palace looked to be in danger of getting a bill for a kingsize pizza, after one of Princess Diana’s security dogs scoffed a student’s lunch during the royal visit to Taunton.

Hannah McKeand, a sixth form student at Richard Huish College, was just about to enjoy a large cheese and onion pizza when the royal pooch beat her to it.

The 17-year-old said: “This springer spaniel sniffer dog was checking the classrooms, presumably for bombs, when he suddenly stuck his head in my bag and ate up all my lunch!

“The security policeman with the dog apologised, but told me he didn’t carry enough cash to buy me another pizza.

“He said he could only afford a yoghurt.

“The Princess probably wouldn’t have been interested in my lost lunch... I’ve a good mind to write to Buckingham Palace demanding a refund,” she joked.

STOLEN LUNCH: Hannah McKeand