The service, which was the second occasion that such a service had been held in London, enabled over 400 London based friends and supporters of the Perpetual Trust and cathedral to enjoy the unique Hereford sound. The Lords Lieutenant and High Sheriffs of Herefordshire and Shropshire attended the evening, among many others.

‘It was a marvellous occasion,’ said Glyn Morgan, of the Perpetual Trust, ‘and the Princess was such a wonderful guest spending so much time talking with the choir and our guests.’

In addition to the choir singing, lessons were read by former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, Antiques Roadshow expert Bunny Campione, Francine Stock, the Radio 4 presenter and Algy Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire.

‘We were also delighted to have these guest readers,’ said Glyn, ‘as their involvement and support so added to the evening. All know Hereford Cathedral, to a greater or lesser extent, and we were delighted to have them supporting us.’

It was not the first time Princess Alexandra had heard the choir sing with the last being at a concert in the Barbican, London, which was staged in partnership with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

For more information on Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust, including its London, Herefordshire and Shropshire programme of events, please contact the Office (01432 374261: perpetual.trust@herefordcathedral.org).