![Chris - Knitting Technician - describes technical aspects of yarn we use and winding processes](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/hrh-the-princess-royal-meets-chris-our-knitting-technician-2.jpg)
Chris - Knitting Technician - describes the technical aspects of the yarn we use and the winding process.
![Amy - Knitwear Designer - explains how modern knitwear is designed using sophisticated software and CAD tools.](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/amy-knitwear-designer-explains-the-processes-of-modern-knitwear-design-2.jpg)
Amy - Knitwear Designer - explains how modern knitwear is designed using sophisticated software and CAD tools, before transferring onto the knitting machines.
![Reg - Head Mechanic - Briefs HRH on the various types knitting machinery](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/reg-head-mechanic-briefs-hrh-on-the-knitting-machinery-2.jpg)
Reg - Head Mechanic - briefs HRH on how the various types of knitting machinery produce our unique fine lacy patterns.
![Dawn - Finishing Supervisor - provides a demonstration of overlocking.](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/dawn-finishing-supervisor-provides-a-demonstration-of-overlocking-2.jpg)
Dawn - Finishing Supervisor - provides a demonstration of overlocking, one of the many finishing trades.
![Ann - Finishing Assistant - showing HRH how we inspect each shawl.](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/ann-finishing-assistant-showing-hrh-how-we-inspect-each-shawl-2.jpg)
Ann - Finishing Assistant - showing HRH how we inspect each shawl, while folding, to ensure each piece is pattern perfect. Gillian - Director - watching too.
![Stuart demonstrate two working handframes from our historic collection.](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/stuart-handframe-technician-demonstrate-two-working-handfames.jpg)
We were also able to demonstrate two working handframes from our historic collection, welcoming our good friend Stuart, a Handframe Technician and volunteer at The Framework Knitters Museum.
![HRH unveiling commemorative plaque](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/hrh-unveiling-commemorative-plaque.jpg)
![Reg receiving long service award](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/reg-receiving-long-service-award.jpg)
Towards the end of our Factory tour, The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque, to mark her visit, as well as presenting a long service award to Reg, our Head Mechanic, celebrating 53 years of service and dedication to G.H.Hurt & Son and the artisan craft of lace knitting.
![HRH meets our distinguished guests and partners](/SiteData/Root/Image/our-story/a-royal-visit/hrh-meets-our-distinguished-guests-amd--partners.jpg)
The Princess Royal also met our distinguished guests & partners: Mr Michael Marsden, Executive Dean of Nottingham School of Art & Design, Nottingham Trent University and Mr Akira Oseto, Director of Net Laboratories Ltd, our distribution partner for Japan.
Gillian Taylor - Director - comments
“We were delighted and honoured to receive The Princess Royal here at our Shawl Factory. It is also a wonderful reward for the staff, as our beautiful lace knitwear depends on their unique skills and hard work.”
“We have always been a creative and innovative business. Our main aim in more recent years has been to continue to innovate and develop international markets.”
“It was such a pleasure to share a little of our local lace knitting heritage with The Princess Royal.”