Princess Anne has travelled to Ukraine just weeks after the Duke of Sussex made his own unannounced visit to Kyiv.

The Princess Royal arrived in the capital on Tuesday at the request of the Foreign Office.

Buckingham Palace said the trip was intended to highlight the traumatic experiences of children living on the front line.

It comes after Prince Harry visited Kyiv earlier this month at the invitation of the Ukrainian Government, where he pledged to do everything he could to support the recovery of thousands of soldiers seriously wounded during the three-year conflict with Russia.

Princess Anne takes Zara Tindall’s childhood toy to Ukraine in poignant tribute just weeks after Harry’s visit | PA

During Anne’s programme, the King’s sister left a toy bear that previously belonged to her daughter, Zara Tindall, at the Children’s Memorial in tribute to youngsters killed in the conflict.

She was joined by First Lady Olena Zelenska at the site, which commemorates more than 650 children who have died since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Images of the children, together with their names and ages, are projected inside the memorial.

As the princess 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 the First Lady: “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.

The King’s sister left a toy bear at the Children’s Memorial in tribute to youngsters killed in the conflict| PA

The visit took place just two days after a Russian aerial bombardment killed at least four people in Kyiv, including a 12-year-old girl, and injured more than 70 others. Officials described it as one of the heaviest strikes on the city in recent months.

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

The president shook hands warmly with his royal visitor, telling her: “You’re very welcome”, with Anne replying: “You’re very kind. I don’t know how you have time to spare, but there you go.”

The princess handed the president a sealed envelope with a red royal crest on the back, which was most likely a personal letter from the King.

The Princess Royal (left) speaks with Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska

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Anne’s secret overseas mission, which was not publicised beforehand for security reasons, was followed by a tour to St Sofia’s Cathedral, which has been placed on the Unesco List of World Heritage in Danger, and she spoke with female police and armed forces representatives about their role in protecting women and children.

At the Child Rights Protection Centre, she met families and children who had been returned and reintegrated, as well as staff working to secure the return of more youngsters.

Ukrainian authorities say more than 19,500 children have been forcibly transferred or deported to Russia and occupied territories.

The Princess Royal later visited a rehabilitation centre, where she spoke to veterans returning from the front line, including those learning to live with conflict-related injuries and trauma.

The Princess Royal during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv

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She watched a canine therapy session and heard from personnel adjusting to civilian life with disabilities sustained in combat.

Her schedule also included a tour of the Kherson Cultural Exhibition, which pays tribute to the region’s history.

Kherson was occupied by Russian forces at the start of the invasion before being liberated by Ukraine.

The exhibition has been supported by the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, a UK-led programme backed by partner countries.

Her trip came shortly after Prince Harry travelled to Kyiv with his Invictus Games Foundation team to outline plans to help rehabilitate wounded veterans.

The Princess Royal walks with President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting at St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv | PA