A royal landed in Blackbird Leys to residents' shock yesterday. 

The Countess of Wessex was picked up by a helicopter in Blackbird Leys Playing Field yesterday afternoon after visiting the Community Impact Zone collaboration in the area.

The Oxford-born royal, HRH Sophie, was spotted walking back to the helicopter in a hot pink dress at around 4pm, waving to Blackbird Leys residents who had stopped to see her off. 

Oxford Mail: Kim Aspel and her son Connor in front of the helicopter.Kim Aspel and her son Connor in front of the helicopter.

Kim Aspel, a 43-year-old carer, spotted the helicopter on her way home with her two-year-old son. 

The Blackbird Leys local who was born and raised in the area said: "I thought there was an accident at first and was really shocked when obviously it had the royal family crest.

"I spoke to the pilots and they said if you wait around for 15-20 minutes you might be able to see the royal.

"It's quite nice to have positive news about Blackbird Leys for once."

Oxford Mail: Residents noticed the Royal helicopter in Blackbird Leys.Residents noticed the Royal helicopter in Blackbird Leys.

Ms Aspel and her 2-year-old, Connor, who was very excited at that point did just that and weren't dissapointed.

She said: "It was so lovely. Even though she was running late she stopped to wave and walked around so everyone could see her before she left.

"It was an quite emotional experience. It just felt like fate that I drove that way home. I came away feeling really humbled."

Oxford Mail: Countess of Wessex lands at Blackbird Leys Playing Field.Countess of Wessex lands at Blackbird Leys Playing Field.

Residents also took to the Blackbird Leys Community Facebook page to share their photos and shock at having a royal visit.

The royal was visiting the Community Impact Zone collaboration at Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

Oxford Mail: Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visits Blackbird Leys community centre.Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visits Blackbird Leys community centre.

During her visit, the Countess met families and volunteers who are involved in Ready Set Go, a project that upcycles bikes and provides them free of charge to local families, and joined in with arts and crafts at the Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground.

Local children shared their plans to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

The Countess, who has a strong personal interest in opportunities for young people, thanked the staff, trustees and volunteers who make free play available to families in the community. 

Oxford Mail: HRH Sophie visits students at the Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground.HRH Sophie visits students at the Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground.

Before the end of the visit, the Countess met parent advocates  from Parent Power, who support other local parents to help themselves, their children and their communities to thrive. 

The Community Impact Zone is partnership between Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police to improve collaboration across services, and is coordinated on the ground by Oxford Hub, a local charity.

Oxford Mail: During her visit, the Countess of Wessex met families and volunteers who are involved in Ready Set Go.During her visit, the Countess of Wessex met families and volunteers who are involved in Ready Set Go.

Sara Fernandez, CEO of Oxford Hub said, ‘We were delighted that the Countess chose to visit the Community Impact Zone, and her interest in the collaboration is a testament to the inspiring work that residents, volunteers and staff are doing every day to make the Leys better for everyone.’

Read more from this author

This story was written by Shosha Adie. 

She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.   

To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie

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