On September 30, 2025, the usually reserved Princess Anne made headlines with an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, stepping onto the world stage as a symbol of solidarity amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Her presence in the war-torn capital, at the request of the UK Foreign Office, was cloaked in secrecy until after her departure, a necessity given the volatile security situation. But as the news broke, it became clear that this was no mere diplomatic formality—it was a heartfelt mission to shine a light on the suffering of Ukraine’s most vulnerable: its children.
According to BBC and multiple British and Ukrainian outlets, the Princess Royal’s visit came just two days after a particularly devastating Russian aerial bombardment on Kyiv. The attack, which lasted more than twelve hours, claimed the lives of at least four people—including a 12-year-old girl—and left over 70 injured. Against this grim backdrop, Anne’s arrival was a poignant gesture of empathy and support.
Her itinerary was packed, but each stop carried symbolic weight. Accompanied by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, Princess Anne visited the Children’s Memorial, a site commemorating more than 650 children killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. In a moment that moved many, she placed a traditional teddy bear at the base of the memorial, quietly remarking to Mrs. Zelenska, “That was one that my daughter had.” The gesture, echoed by the First Lady who also left a bear, underscored the shared grief and resilience of mothers and families across borders.
The Princess’s visit, as Buckingham Palace stated to Sky News, was intended “to draw attention to the traumatic experiences of children living on the front line.” The trauma is staggering. Ukrainian officials estimate that over 19,500 children have been forcibly transferred or deported by Russian authorities to Russia or occupied territories since February 2022. As of now, only 1,605 have made it back home—a sobering statistic that Princess Anne heard firsthand during her visit to the Child Rights Protection Centre in Kyiv.
At the Centre, she met with children who had survived occupation and forced displacement, as well as the staff tirelessly working to return more young Ukrainians to their families. According to The Guardian, Anne listened to stories of loss, resilience, and hope, offering words of encouragement and solidarity. Her engagement wasn’t limited to children; she also spent time with female police officers and Armed Forces representatives who play a crucial role in protecting women and children amid the chaos of war.
Princess Anne’s day in Kyiv was a whirlwind of symbolic and practical encounters. She toured St. Sophia’s Cathedral, a historic site that has witnessed centuries of upheaval and endurance. Later, she visited the Kherson Cultural Exhibition, a tribute to the southern city of Kherson, which was occupied at the outset of the conflict and recaptured by Ukrainian forces in November 2022. The exhibition, supported by the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, stands as a testament to the country’s strength and resolve.
Another key stop was a rehabilitation center for Ukrainian veterans. Here, Anne witnessed both the physical and psychological toll of war: she observed canine and music therapy sessions, spoke with servicemembers adjusting to life with injuries, and met veterans grappling with conflict-related trauma. According to Reuters, the Princess expressed admiration for the resilience of those returning from the front lines, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support for their recovery.
Her visit wasn’t just a matter of public appearances. In a private meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Anne discussed the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine and further coordination of humanitarian and security assistance. She reportedly delivered a personal letter from King Charles, bearing his distinctive cypher, underscoring the British monarchy’s continued engagement with Ukraine’s struggle. During the meeting, according to BBC, the conversation centered on the traumatic impact of the war on children and the need for international cooperation to address their needs.
This wasn’t Princess Anne’s first trip to Ukraine. She had previously visited Kyiv in 1973 for equestrian competitions, and her long-standing leadership of Save the Children UK since 1970 has deepened her understanding of children’s needs in crisis zones. Her current visit, however, was the most politically charged, coming at a time when the world’s attention is fixed on the humanitarian fallout of the conflict.
The timing of the Princess’s journey was also notable. Just over two weeks earlier, Prince Harry made a surprise visit to Kyiv, meeting with veterans and discussing rehabilitation efforts for the wounded as part of his Invictus Games Foundation work. The Duchess of Edinburgh, too, visited Ukraine in April 2024, bringing a letter of support from King Charles. These royal visits, though rare, have become significant markers of Britain’s support for Ukraine, each carrying its own message of solidarity and hope.
King Charles himself has been vocal in his backing of Ukraine. He has met President Zelenskyy several times, most recently hosting him at Sandringham in March 2025. During US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, Charles used his banquet speech to send a clear message: “Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.”
The British government’s stance has been reinforced by concrete actions as well. In the weeks leading up to Anne’s visit, the UK announced new sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting the forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, over alleged unlawful deportations—a move Russia has rejected, claiming it is relocating children for their safety.
Anne’s journey to Kyiv was not without its own risks and logistical challenges. Like her nephew Prince Harry, she arrived by train—a safer option given the heightened threat of missile strikes. The secrecy surrounding her trip was maintained until she had safely departed, highlighting the ever-present dangers faced by visitors and residents alike in Ukraine’s capital.
For those on the ground, the Princess’s visit was more than a fleeting moment of royal attention. It was a reminder that the plight of Ukraine’s children and families has not faded from the world’s conscience, even as the war drags on. As one British official told Sky News, “The aim of Anne’s visit was to draw attention to the traumatic experiences of children living on the front line.”
With her quiet dignity and steadfast commitment, Princess Anne brought a measure of comfort and hope to a nation in pain. Her actions—simple yet profound—spoke volumes about the enduring bonds between the UK and Ukraine, and the shared determination to protect the innocent amid the horrors of war.
As Ukraine continues to resist aggression and rebuild its future, the memory of this royal visit will linger as a testament to international solidarity and the unbreakable spirit of its people.
