HAMPSHIRE Army wives waiting for their husbands to return home from the Gulf received a morale-boosting visit from the Princess Royal yesterday.

Princess Anne went to Marchwood Military Port to meet some of the women whose menfolk have been away since the build-up to war with Iraq began in earnest three months ago.

Marchwood is the home of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, which sailed for the Gulf on January 24.

Last month more than 400 members of the regiment took over the port of Umm Qasr and prepared it for the arrival of vital humanitarian aid for the Iraqi people. Since their departure, Marchwood Military Port has been run by reservists from 165 Port TA Regiment.

The Princess Royal began her tour of the 227-acre complex by inspecting a wide range of army equipment, including flat-bottomed landing craft.

Later she met a large group of wives who were lined up outside the Warrants Officers' and Sergeants' Mess to greet the royal visitor.

She was presented with a bouquet by Natasha Brown, nine, of Calshot, whose father, Sergeant Graham Brown, 36, is an armourer serving in Kuwait. Natasha was accompanied by her mother, Linda, 34, and her two sisters, Abigail, seven, and four-year-old Jessica.

Mrs Brown said: "The princess was very friendly. She asked the children where they came from and how long their daddy had been away."

Other wives included Debbie Hill, 34, of Marchwood, whose husband, Corporal Stephen Hill, 29, is serving aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Sir Galahad.

Mrs Hill said: "The princess asked if everyone was getting together on a regular basis. Our community centre has been very supportive. They have organised trips to theme parks and made sure we're not all just stuck at home without any contact.

"The Army tells us as much as it can, but there's no news about when our husbands are coming home."

Tina Brearley, of Hythe, whose husband, Warrant Officer Shane Brearley, 38, has been away for three months, said: "The princess asked if the Army welfare people were looking after us. They keep us informed all the time, which isn't always that easy because things keep changing."