Anne visits Ukraine and leaves teddy as tribute to child victims

THE Princess Royal has made a surprise trip to Ukraine in a show of solidarity with children and families facing the horrors of the Russian invasion.

- LAURA ELSTON

The King's sister travelled to the war-torn country on Tuesday, where she left a teddy at a children's memorial in a poignant tribute to youngsters killed in the conflict, saying her daughter Zara Tindall had the same bear.

As the Gloucestershire-based royal stepped back after placing the traditional-looking teddy, which had a yellow and black ribbon tied in a bow around its neck, at the base of the memorial alongside the scores of other cuddly toys, she told First Lady Olena Zelenska: "That was one that my daughter had."

Mrs Zelenska, who had also left a bear in tribute and looked emotional during the visit, turned to the princess and nodded solemnly at the moving gesture.

Anne, travelling at the request of the Foreign Office, made the official visit to Kyiv to highlight the traumatic experiences of children living on the front line, Buckingham Palace said.

The princess and the First Lady were paying their respects at the Children's Memorial at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War Memorial Complex.

The site commemorates more than 650 children who have died since the start of the conflict in 2022 as a direct result of Russia's full-scale invasion. Images of the youngsters, together with their names and ages, are projected inside the memorial.

Anne also met with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the UK's support for Ukraine and the country’s ongoing resistance.