GCHQ Bude hosted its first royal visit last week — welcoming HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal on Monday, April 4.

Princess Anne met a large number of staff including apprentices, graduates and long serving staff, one of whom has been part of GCHQ for 29 years.

Tracy, the newest recruit to the station, presented The Princess Royal with a basket of local produce, which included Cornish handmade chocolates, biscuits and coffee from Bude’s own roastery.

Tracy said: “I was privileged to be asked to present the gift to The Princess Royal. This was a very memorable moment in my career.”

The head of GCHQ Bude Station hosted Princess Anne alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, and after meeting staff took the group on a short tour of the site and then gave an overview of the vital work carried out at Bude.

The site performs a critical role in GCHQ’s wider intelligence and security mission and is one of the largest employers locally.

The head of Bude Station said: “GCHQ has a long association with Cornwall and has been a local employer for almost 50 years. I am honoured The Princess Royal visited and learned about the vital work we do.”

As well as keeping Britain safe, GCHQ Bude is a major contributor to many local charities through its own charities committee. Since the committee’s formation in 2010 it has raised more than £33,000.

Princess Anne was told about the various charity events including cake sales, sponsored walks and sponsored cycle rides that provide help to charities such as the North Devon Hospice — The Long House Appeal, Bodmin Moorland Pony Rescue and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.

The director general for intelligence, who was representing the director of GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, expressed thanks to Princess Anne for visiting and welcomed the opportunity for the people of GCHQ Bude to be recognised for their key role in helping keep Britain safe.