Princess Anne is set to undertake a significant overseas tour next month, with the Princess Royal due to visit both South Korea and Thailand as part of a programme aimed at strengthening diplomatic, cultural and charitable ties across Asia.
The King’s sister will travel with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, for a series of engagements in Seoul and Bangkok between 13 and 17 July.
The visit underlines Anne’s continuing role as one of the monarchy’s most active international representatives, despite celebrating her 75th birthday last year.
The British Embassy in Seoul confirmed that the Princess Royal will visit South Korea from 13 to 15 July, where she will attend commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River, one of the most significant engagements involving British troops during the Korean War.
The royal visit will pay tribute to the British servicemen who fought alongside South Korean and United Nations forces during the conflict between 1950 and 1953.
Anne is also expected to participate in a number of events designed to strengthen cooperation between the United Kingdom and South Korea in sectors including advanced technology, maritime manufacturing, research and education.
British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks said the visit would reflect the “strength and warmth” of relations between the two nations.
“There are fond and longstanding ties between the Royal Family and the Republic of Korea, from Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1999 to the three State Visits by Korean Presidents to the United Kingdom since,” he said.
The Princess Royal last visited South Korea in 2018 when she attended the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Following her engagements in Seoul, Anne will travel directly to Thailand for a two-day programme of official events.
According to the British Embassy in Bangkok, the Princess Royal will visit a school supported by Save the Children Thailand, a charity with which she has been associated for more than five decades.
She is also scheduled to meet Thailand’s Prime Minister, hold audiences with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, and pay her respects to the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
The visit will additionally include meetings with female scientists, attendance at a regional health security showcase and engagements celebrating cultural cooperation between the United Kingdom and Thailand.
British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Gooding described the trip as a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
“The Princess Royal’s fourth visit to Thailand reflects the enduring warmth between our two countries and the important role our royal families continue to play in strengthening the UK-Thailand partnership,” he said.
This will be Anne’s fourth visit to Thailand, having previously travelled there in 1972, 1979 and 1987. Her first visit came when she accompanied her parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, during their historic tour of the country.
Widely regarded as one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family, Anne continues to undertake hundreds of engagements each year and serves as patron or president of more than 300 organisations.
