Princess Alexandra attends Sightsavers event

A new appeal aiming to eliminate river blindness has been launched by vision charity Sightsavers. The launch event, held in London late last month, was attended by the charity's president, Princess Alexandra (pictured), and combined celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Lady Wilson, the wife of the late Sightsavers founder John Wilson, said: 'The struggle against river blindness is still going on today. But for the first time there is a united global effort to eliminate the disease. I am, therefore, proud and privileged to help launch the Diamond Jubilee River Blindness Appeal, which could realise John's vision of an Africa free of this terrible disease.'