Princess Anne recently made an unexpected visit to war-torn Ukraine, where she paid a poignant tribute to children who have been killed in the ongoing conflict. The King’s sister travelled to Kyiv at the request of the UK Foreign Office to show solidarity with the children and families who have been deeply affected by the Russian invasion. Her visit, which was not publicized in advance for security reasons, came just days after a Russian aerial bombardment killed at least four people, including a 12-year-old girl, and left dozens more injured.
During her trip, Princess Anne met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the UK’s continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. One of the most moving moments of her visit took place at a memorial for children who have died in the war. Joined by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, Anne laid a soft toy bear as a tribute to the more than 650 children who have been killed since the conflict began in 2022. The teddy bear she left at the memorial held special significance, as it was a replica of one her daughter, Zara Tindall, had owned.
As Anne placed the bear, she shared with Mrs. Zelenska that it had once belonged to her daughter, making the act deeply personal and emotional. First Lady Zelenska also placed a bear at the memorial, adding to the growing collection of soft toys left in remembrance of the young victims. The visit to the memorial served as a powerful reminder of the suffering of children on the frontline and the impact of the war on innocent lives.
Princess Anne’s trip also focused on the vital work being done to protect women and children in Ukraine. She met with female police officers and members of the armed forces, learning about their critical role in safeguarding vulnerable civilians. At the Child Rights Protection Centre, she spoke with families and children who have been returned to Ukraine after being forcibly taken by Russian authorities. More than 19,500 children have been deported to Russia or Russian-occupied territories since the start of the invasion, making their safe return a key focus of Anne’s visit.
In addition to meeting with displaced families, Princess Anne visited a rehabilitation centre for Ukrainian war veterans, where she spoke to former soldiers recovering from the physical and emotional toll of the conflict. She also heard about the challenges veterans face as they reintegrate into civilian life and the support they need to heal and move forward.
The Princess Royal’s visit to Ukraine underscores the growing involvement of the British royal family in supporting Ukraine during this crisis. She is the second working royal to visit the country, following the Duchess of Edinburgh’s trip in April 2022. The King himself has met with President Zelenskyy several times and has consistently expressed solidarity with Ukraine. During a recent state visit by US President Donald Trump, King Charles stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that “tyranny” threatens Europe and that the UK, along with its allies, must stand united in securing peace.
Princess Anne’s visit highlights the ongoing efforts by the British monarchy to raise awareness of the human cost of the war and to provide support to those affected. Her tribute at the children’s memorial, along with her discussions with Ukrainian officials, veterans, and families, serve as a testament to her commitment to standing with Ukraine during its time of crisis. While her visit may have been quiet and understated, it was a powerful demonstration of the role that royals can play in shining a light on global humanitarian issues and offering a hand of solidarity to those suffering.
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