The Princess Royal's visit to Madagascar
Published
The Princess saw work being carried out by Save the Children, a charity The Princess is now Patron, after serving as President for over 40 years.
The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, visited The Republic of Madagascar in October. Her Royal Highness saw work being carried out in the country in wildlife conservation, laid a wreath at a Commonwealth War Grave site, and visited families supported by Save the Children, a charity The Princess is now Patron, after serving as President for over 40 years.
On the first day, The Princess Royal was received by The President of Madagascar, Hery Rajaonarimampianina at Iavoloha Palace. During the evening, The Princess Royal and The President together presented The Duke of Edinburgh Gold International Youth Awards to young participants at the palace, before attending a state dinner where The Princess also made a short speech. The Duke of Edinburgh International Awards is available in 140 countries for young people aged 14 to 24.
In the following days, The Princess Royal visited Feedback Madagascar's Silk Project to see how sustainable silk production in the village has significantly alleviated poverty in the local community. HRH then planted a tree in the community managed woodland in Faliarivo. The scheme run by the charity helps to protect the biodiversity and conservation of forests across the island country.
Later that afternoon, The Princess Royal laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Diego Suarez Military Cemetery. The Princess was joined by The President of Madagascar at the cemetery, which contains the graves and memorials of more than 310 Commonwealth servicemen of The Second World War.
As Patron of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Princess opened the Fotsimaso Interpretation Centre for the Madagascar pochard, which is one of the world's rarest birds, with a wild population of less than 30 individuals.
On her final visit during the trip, The Princess Royal then went to Save the Children's Vanilla Farming Project in Madena Village. HRH, who is Patron of the charity, toured the primary school; meeting children in the playground before speaking to Vanilla Farmers. The Princess also spoke to families that have benefited from the programme, particularly from the provision of health insurance. Farmers then presented The Princess Royal with Madagascan vanilla pods and thanked HRH for visiting.
The Princess Royal visited Madagascar from 22–27 October 2017. Discover more about The Princess Royal's work here.
Related content
