Princess Anne made a surprise, unpublicized visit to war-torn Ukraine on September 30, 2025, marking a significant moment that challenged narratives recently put forth by Prince Harry about the conflict.
During her visit to Kyiv, Anne met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, showing strong British royal support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
The Princess Royal paid tribute at the Children’s Memorial, laying a teddy bear that belonged to her daughter Zara, symbolizing personal empathy and solidarity with the children who have suffered or lost their lives due to the war. Anne also toured rehabilitation centers and spoke directly with families and veterans, emphasizing the trauma and resilience of those affected.
This visit, carried out quietly and without prior announcement for security reasons, is seen as a powerful rebuttal to Prince Harry’s own recent surprise visits and statements regarding Ukraine. Anne’s grounded, dignified presence and direct engagement with Ukrainian officials and victims contrasted with Harry’s more headline-driven appearances and controversial claims.
Anne’s visit reinforced the monarchy’s steadfast support for Ukraine while drawing attention to harsh realities faced by civilians, particularly children forcibly taken by Russian forces. The royal family's commitment was echoed in her discussions with Zelensky about ongoing UK assistance and her advocacy for vulnerable populations.
In summary, Princess Anne’s bold visit to Ukraine effectively exposed and countered Prince Harry's more politicized Ukraine narratives, underscoring the true humanitarian focus and solidifying the monarchy’s compassionate and steady diplomatic stance amid crisis.