Photographer Mark Lees claimed a picture exclusive for a snap of Princess Margaret on a flying visit to Shenfield.

The Essex Chronicle photographer, based in Chelmsford, was on hand when homeward-bound Brentwood commuters on a Liverpool Street to Southend train noticed that a fellow passenger was Princess Margaret.

The Princess caught a 17.54 from Liverpool Street to Shenfield railway station.

Walking with the aid of a stick and surrounded by security men, she emerged into bright sunshine to a waiting Jaguar and was driven off at speed.

A Buckingham Palace press spokeswoman and Essex police refused to say why the Princess was in the area or why she chose to travel by train. They would only confirm that it was a private visit.

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