King Charles’ Office hails Princess Anne’s quiet diplomacy in Barbados
Princess Anne’s surprise visit to Barbados over the weekend helped reinforce the monarchy’s enduring relationship with the island nation, despite its transition to a republic.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, June 3, Buckingham Palace confirmed the 74-year-old royal had met with President Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Mottley during a busy diplomatic programme.
“Thank you to everyone who welcomed The Princess Royal to Barbados this weekend!” the Palace wrote.
Though Barbados formally removed the British monarch as head of state in 2021, the visit was viewed as a strong gesture of goodwill. “The bonds between our countries remain strong,” remarked acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, via Barbados Today.
This marked Princess Anne’s first visit to the island since 1966. Her engagements included commemorating the monarch’s official birthday at the British High Commission and participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, which she has led since 2011 after succeeding her late father, Prince Philip.
The Princess also visited the Barbados Defence Force and volunteered at a field medical hospital at Paragon Base in Christ Church.
