Princess Anne announces major overseas tour with husband

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Princess Anne will undertake an official visit to Greece next week - her first official overseas engagement since she attended the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The Princess Royal's visit will commence on Friday, May 22, through to Sunday, May 24.

Anne will be joined by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, for the three-day engagement. It is the Princess Royal's first trip to Greece since March 2025.

In her capacity as President of the Mission to Seafarers, Her Royal Highness will first carry out official duties in the Greek capital.

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Following her Athens engagements, the King's sister will proceed to Crete, where she will participate in events marking 85 years since the Battle of Crete.

The commemorative programme on Crete will commence with a service at the RAF Memorial in Maleme, honouring the brave airmen of 30 Squadron and 33 Squadron who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the island in 1941.

Her Royal Highness will subsequently attend a Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Souda Bay.

The sombre occasion will feature an aerial tribute from 30 Squadron RAF alongside the renowned Red Arrows display team.

Following this impressive flypast, the Princess Royal will lay a wreath in tribute to the fallen servicemen who gave their lives during that pivotal wartime engagement.

The Princess Royal's itinerary will then take her to Chania, where a reception awaits at the Grand Arsenal.

This gathering will provide an opportunity for Her Royal Highness to meet descendants of those who fought during the 1941 campaign, as well as British Armed Forces veterans who have made Crete their home.

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The visit will continue with an exploration of the historic Firkas fortress, situated within Chania harbour.

Adjacent to this landmark, the Princess Royal will enjoy a brief tour of the Maritime Museum of Crete, which details the island's rich naval heritage and its enduring connection to seafaring traditions.

The commemorative activities will culminate with a service at Chania Cathedral, forming a central element of the 85th anniversary observances.

Upon departing the cathedral, Her Royal Highness will conduct an inspection of the Guard and Band before making her way towards Chania Old Harbour.

The visit will reach its conclusion at the harbourside, where the Princess Royal will observe a traditional flag parade.

This ceremonial display will be complemented by a spectacular performance from the Red Arrows, providing a fitting tribute to the enduring bonds between Britain and Crete forged during those momentous days of 1941.

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