The Princess Royal visits Ukraine

The Princess Royal has visited Ukraine, at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, demonstrating solidarity with the children and families living through the Russian invasion and highlighting the traumatic experiences of children living on the frontline of the conflict. 

While in Kyiv, Her Royal Highness met President Zelenskyy and discussed the UK's support for Ukraine and the country’s ongoing resistance. The Princess Royal also toured St Sofia's Cathedral. 

Her Royal Highness later paid her respects at the Children's Memorial alongside First Lady Zelenska. The Princess Royal laid a toy bear at the memorial which commemorates the children who have died since the start of the conflict. 

During the visit to Kyiv, Her Royal Highness met female Police and Armed Forces representatives and heard about their vital role in the protection of women and children. 

Visiting the Child Rights Protection Centre, The Princess Royal heard from families and children who have been returned and reintegrated and spoke to those working tirelessly to return more Ukrainian children. To date more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported by the Russian authorities to Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine. 

Her Royal Highness also visited a Rehabilitation Centre, where she met Ukrainian veterans returning from the frontline, including service personnel learning to live with injuries and conflict-related trauma. The Princess Royal witnessed a canine therapy session and spoke to veterans adjusting to civilian life with disabilities and injuries sustained in combat. 

Her Royal Highness later visited the Kherson Cultural Exhibition, which pays tribute to Kherson's rich history. Kherson was occupied at the start of the conflict, before liberation by the Ukrainian forces, serving as a symbol of Ukraine’s strength, resistance and struggle. The exhibition has been supported by the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU), led by the UK and supported by partner countries. PFRU supports liberated communities to recover, engaging with them to address gaps in services.