Anne, The Princess Royal, is to continue in her role as patron of British Universities and Colleges Sport, it has been announced ©Getty Images

Anne, The Princess Royal, is to continue in her role as patron of British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).

Her Royal Highness has held the role for nearly 20 years which sees her promote higher education sport and attend key events in the calendar.

The International Olympic Committee member was a guest of honour at the BUCS Big Wednesday competitions in 2015 and 2018, where she handed out medals.

Last year, she attended the BUCS Conference in Warwick, while in 2019 a reception was held at St James' Palace to mark 100 years of university sport.

The Princess Royal, an IOC member has been patron of BUCS for nearly 20 years ©Getty Images
The Princess Royal, an IOC member has been patron of BUCS for nearly 20 years ©Getty Images

"A firm believer in the power of sport to change lives, and a keen sportswoman herself, HRH The Princess Royal is the perfect Patron for BUCS," Sam Bell-Minogue, the BUCS director of delivery, said.

"We are honoured that HRH is continuing her patronage of BUCS, and that she sees the value that sport can bring to students' university experience, and the lifechanging opportunities that institutions can offer.

"We thank HRH for her invaluable support as we enter another year of university sport, with a brand-new strategy, delivering exceptional student sporting experiences which inspire, develop and unite."

The Princess Royal is an International Olympic Committee member and won the European individual eventing title in 1971.