Princess Anne will depart for South Africa immediately following the Duchess of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday celebrations on January 20.
The Princess Royal is set to undertake her first foreign visit of 2025, with a two-day trip scheduled for January 21-22.
The 74-year-old royal’s visit comes directly after the milestone birthday of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, with celebrations expected to be marked by the Royal Family’s social media accounts with new photographs and messages.
During her South African visit, Princess Anne will serve in her capacity as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, a role she inherited from the Duke of Kent upon his retirement in 2023.
Princess Anne to leave UK immediately after Duchess of Edinburgh event
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The Princess Royal will unveil the Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, commemorating more than 1,700 predominantly Black South Africans who died in World War One.
The memorial honours those who served in the country’s military labour units across Africa and perished between August 3, 1914 and August 14, 1921, having no known grave.
This significant ceremony marks a key moment in recognising the contributions of South African servicemen during World War One.
The unveiling will be one of Princess Anne’s first duties as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, following her inheritance of the role from the Duke of Kent.
The Duchess of Edinburgh posing beside her 60th birthday cake during an engagement earlier this week
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During her time in Cape Town, Princess Anne will carry out several key engagements across the city.
The Princess Royal is scheduled to visit the South African Riding for the Disabled Association and the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
Her programme also includes visits to the Royal Cape Yacht Club and the South African Astronomical Observatory.
Princess Anne will additionally tour a Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she will meet with local communities and celebrate regional projects.
Princess Anne visiting South Africa in 2012
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The royal’s South African schedule will conclude with a reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Cape Town.
This visit marks Princess Anne’s return to South Africa since her previous trip in 2012 during the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
During her 2012 visit, a notable moment occurred when the Princess Royal met with South African showjumper Enos Mafokate.
Princess Anne visited the country in 2012 in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee
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Their meeting held particular significance as Mafokate had previously been prevented from speaking with the Princess in 1982 during a London showjumping event, when her bodyguard intervened.
Despite that earlier incident, Princess Anne had promised to meet with Mafokate again, a promise she fulfilled during her Diamond Jubilee visit.
The upcoming January 2025 visit continues Princess Anne’s engagement with South African communities and institutions.