Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, embarked on a SriLankan Airlines flight from London to Colombo for a two-day official visit commemorating the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the UK.
"It is truly an honour to extend Her Royal Highness and the delegation our inherent Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality, thereby presenting the first taste of our island home through our service. We thank the HRH for honouring us with her presence onboard and choosing us for the journey," The SriLankan posted on X.
She is accompanied by her spouse Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence during her stay here until January 13.
“The visit comes as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. The UK and Sri Lanka share many strong personal ties and common interests making the two countries natural partners through the Commonwealth,” the UK High Commission in Colombo said in a statement.
While in Colombo, The Princess will meet with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Further, she has made plans to meet businesses and charities, and visit Save the Children Sri Lanka Programme, as well as a Commonwealth War Grave under her new role as President of Commonwealth War Graves.
The Princess will also visit sites of religious significance in Kandy and Colombo, and meet local communities and civil society representatives while in Jaffna.
She previously visited the island nation in March 1995 as patron of Save the Children.
Princess Anne is the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the only sister of King Charles III.
