On 30th September, Princess Anne paid a visit to Ukraine at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The visit underscored the UK’s ongoing solidarity with Ukrainian children and families enduring the hardships of Russia’s invasion, while drawing attention to the traumatic experiences faced by those living on the front lines.
More than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported by Russian authorities to Russia and occupied territories since the start of the conflict. However, Kyiv’s official Children of War database records that only 1,605 of these children have been successfully returned home so far.
During her time in Kyiv, Princess Anne me with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the UK’s continued support for Ukraine. The Royal presented the President with a sealed envelope bearing the red royal cypher of what looked like Buckingham Palace, believed to contain a personal message from King Charles.
The Princess Royal with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv yesterday. pic.twitter.com/8iwQr6UPlt
— Majesty Magazine (& Joe Little) (@MajestyMagazine) October 1, 2025
Zelenskyy welcomed her, telling her: ‘You’re very welcome’ to which the Princess replied:
‘You’re very kind. I don’t know how you have time to spare but there you go.’
The Princess Royal also toured St. Sophia’s Cathedral, one of Kyiv’s most historic landmarks, before joining First Lady Olena Zelenska at the Children’s Memorial. The memorial honours the young lives lost since the invasion began in February 2022.
In a poignant gesture, Princess Anne laid a teddy bear at the site, quietly noting: ‘That was one that my daughter had.’
The First Lady, who also placed a bear at the memorial, appeared moved as the two women reflected on the profound human cost of the war.
Writing on social media afterwards, The First Lady said: ‘The stories of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are very painful, but the world needs to know and hear them. We must save them. I am grateful to all the countries that are helping us in this very difficult process.
‘I am grateful to Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, a representative of the British royal family, for visiting the Child Protection Center together. The whole world should hear the stories of the abductees and rescued children, so that together we can return the most precious thing – our children, our future’.
The welfare of children has long been a central theme of Princess Anne’s royal work. As President of Save the Children UK since 1970, she has championed child protection initiatives across the globe.
In Ukraine, she visited the Child Rights Protection Centre, speaking with children reunited with their families and with staff working to bring home those still displaced.
Anne also met with female police and armed forces representatives, acknowledging their critical role in safeguarding women and children during the conflict.
At a rehabilitation centre, she heard from injured Ukrainian veterans learning to navigate civilian life with disabilities and conflict-related trauma. She witnessed a canine therapy session.
Later, Princess Anne visited the Kherson Cultural Exhibition, which celebrates the region’s history and resilience. Kherson, once occupied at the start of the war and later liberated by Ukrainian forces, has become a symbol of the nation’s strength and determination. The exhibition was supported by the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, which helps liberated communities rebuild and recover essential services.
The British Royal Family has continued to Ukraine and its people over the last few years. Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, visited Ukraine in April 2024, becoming the first Royal to do so since the conflict with Russia begun, while Prince William made a significant visit to Poland in March 2023 to thank troops supporting Ukraine’s defence.
