Princess Royal meets Volodymyr Zelensky and leaves teddy bear at memorial for children killed in war
Princess Anne has made a surprise visit to Ukraine to express her solidarity with children and families enduring the suffering of the war.
Anne, who celebrated her 75th birthday in August, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during her visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, where they discussed Britain’s ongoing support for Ukraine, among other issues.
The Princess handed the President a sealed envelope with a red royal crest on the back, most likely a personal letter from the King.
Anne’s secret overseas mission, which was not publicised beforehand for security reasons, came just two days after a Russian aerial bombardment killed at least four people in Kyiv, including a 12-year-old girl, and injured at least 70 others. The attack, which lasted more than 12 hours, was one of the heaviest in recent months.
Anne was seen in video footage arriving by train, wearing a raincoat and a leather backpack, with another bag in her hand. On her fleece jumper was a pin badge of intertwined Union and Ukrainian flags.
She also paid her respects at a memorial honouring the more than 650 children who have died since the start of the conflict in February 2022.
She was accompanied by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and left a teddy bear as a tribute, saying her daughter Zara Tindall had the same teddy as a child.
Anne also spoke with Ukrainian children who have been displaced or deported by Russia, and she visited a rehabilitation centre where she met veterans returning from the front line.
She watched a canine therapy session and spoke to veterans adjusting to civilian life with disabilities and injuries sustained in combat.
With Reuters/PA
