Princess Anne visits South Korea

Princess Anne completed a visit to South Korea reflecting the breadth and strength of the UK–South Korea relationship.

The Princess Royal undertook a three-day official visit to the Republic of Korea, during which she commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River and honoured the sacrifice of British soldiers who fought in the Korean War.

Sir Timothy Laurence, Anne’s husband, accompanied the Princess throughout her time in the country.

Her Royal Highness’s programme highlighted the close partnership between the UK and the Republic of Korea across industry, education and innovation, spanning maritime manufacturing, advanced technologies, research and people-to-people links including causes and charities supported by the Princess Royal.

On Tuesday, Princess Anne and Sir Tim visited Cheong Wa Dae and met with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung. The President later posted to social media, “I was pleased to meet Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and exchange views on how our two countries can further deepen our partnership in the years ahead. I am confident that these exchanges will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and trust between our two peoples.”

Anne and Tim also visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, in Ulsan.

To conclude the official visit, Princess Anne and Sir Tim visited the Korean Headquarters of Save the Children. The Princess, as Patron of the charity, heard about their work before joining a session with young students in the Youth Advocacy Programme, which focuses on children’s rights and youth climate action. The young people placed labels on a small tree in the room, sharing messages about what they have learnt.

Her Royal Highness then viewed wall art celebrating Save the Children Korea’s “Red Goat” Project. Established by Save the Children Korea, the project supports communities in Africa by providing families with dairy goats. Princess Anne also saw the project’s red goat mascot.

Established in South Korea in 1953 following the Korean War, Save the Children Korea has evolved from an emergency relief organisation to a focus on supporting vulnerable children and families through welfare, education, and protection programmes, while also promoting child rights awareness. The Princess Royal was President of Save The Children from 1970 to 2017, before becoming the charity’s Patron.

Following the visit to Korea, Princess Anne and Sir Tim are now en route to Bangkok, where they will meet with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida later this week.