A PRINCESS has stepped in to save an event at a music and literature festival after a royal biographer was forced to cancel her lecture.

Princess Michael of Kent will talk about her new historical novel Quicksilver, set to be published at the end of October to coincide with the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, at Ripon Spa Hotel on Monday (September 21) as part of the Ripon International Festival.

The talk, which replaces an event featuring Alison Weir, will also centre on her other published books, The Queen of Four Kingdoms and Agnes Sorel: Mistress of Beauty.

The 70-year-old princess has pursued an lecture career for 20 years, speaking on various historical subjects, mainly at museums and universities in the US.

A festival spokesman said: "We are delighted and grateful to Princess Michael for stepping in at short notice to present what promises to be a stimulating Royal occasion."

The festival, which has seen packed houses for its performances since the opening concert by Royal Northern Sinfonia of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons last week, continues on Saturday (September 19) with a show by the London Mozart Players at the Royal Hall, Harrogate.

For details, call 01765-603994 or visit riponinternationalfestival.com