Princess Anne makes surprise visit to Ukraine

The Princess Royal has made a surprise visit to Ukraine at the request of the British government.

Princess Anne, 75, was in Kyiv on 30 September to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and pay tribute to the children who died during the war.

The visit was conducted under a media blackout, meaning news of her trip was not publicised until she had returned to the UK.

First Lady Olena Zelenska joined Princess Anne at a memorial to children who died during the war. The royal laid a stuffed bear as a tribute.

The Princess Royal also toured St Sofia’s Cathedral alongside the President after discussing the UK’s support for Ukraine.

Her trip also included time at a Rehabilitation Centre to meet Ukrainian veterans and witness therapy sessions to help them cope after returning from the frontline.

The one-day visit was packed with additional visits to the Kherson Cultural Exhibition and Child Rights Protection Centre.

According to Buckingham Palace, the Princess’s visit was “to demonstrate solidarity with the children and families living through the Russian invasion.”

The Princess Royal is the second working member of the Royal Family to visit the war-torn country, following the Duchess of Edinburgh. Prince Harry, who is not a working member of the family, also visited the country earlier this year.