Princess Anne undertook a last-minute overseas visit on behalf of King Charles for a sombre reason.
The 73-year-old princess is regarded as the hardest-working royal. She had to skip watching her favourite Scotland rugby team’s win over England in the Six Nations because she had to travel to Namibia for President Hage Geingob’s funeral.
On Friday, Anne travelled to the African nation to attend the funeral service scheduled for Saturday.
During the service, she represented the King and was observed arriving to pay respects to the leader who passed away earlier this month at the age of 82 after battling cancer.
Afterwards, she offered her condolences to the late president’s widow Monica Geingos and also signed a book of condolence in front of a framed portrait of Mr Geingob that was surrounded by candles.
Mr Geingob had been Namibia’s third president since it gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
He had been leader since 2015 and had been expected to complete a second term and final term in office this year. Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has been sworn in as acting president until an election takes place later this year.
Nevertheless, the Princess’s visit to Namibia was brief, as she returned to the UK promptly to honour her commitment at the British Horseracing Authority’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards 2024, held today at Ascot Racecourse.
Her trip comes as the King is currently undergoing cancer treatment and has postponed all public-facing duties. However, he is continuing with his red boxes of state papers behind the scenes.
King Charles was captured browsing through a selection of the 7,000 supportive messages Buckingham Palace’s correspondence team has received from across the globe since his cancer diagnosis.
Many people share their own experiences of cancer or offer their good wishes and advice for a speedy recovery, with one well-wisher telling the King: “Chin up, chest out, remain positive and don’t let it get you down.
“Trust me, it works, but the main thing is family.”
While a child sent the message: “Never give up. Be brave. Don’t push your limits. Get Well Soon.”
