Princess Royal to visit Cape Town for Commonwealth farming conference

The Princess Royal will visit Cape Town next week to attend a gathering of farming leaders from across the Commonwealth, and to meet South African entrepreneurs, horse breeders and the country's last known Second World War veteran.

The visit on 3 and 4 November will be her second to South Africa in two years and her sixth overall, the British High Commission said.

Farming for the future

Princess Anne is going in her role as President of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, which connects agricultural societies across the Commonwealth. She will attend the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference, which brings together agricultural leaders and the next generation of farmers.

This year's conference will focus on leadership, climate resilience and the future of global agriculture.

Township entrepreneurs and horses

During the visit, the Princess will meet entrepreneurs from South Africa's townships who have been helped by the UK-South Africa Tech Hub's Township Digital Market Access programme. Delivered by 22 on Sloan, it helps small businesses in underserved communities build digital skills and list their products on e-commerce platforms such as Takealot, so they can reach customers across the country.

A keen horsewoman, who rode for Great Britain in the equestrian three-day event at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, she will also visit a stud farm in the Western Cape to learn about a new trade protocol between the two countries covering the export and import of horses.

Thanking a veteran

She will also meet South Africa's last known Second World War veteran and his family, to thank him for his service. The visit comes as Britain prepares to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8 November.

"This visit is about people"

Lisa Weedon, the acting British High Commissioner to South Africa, said the High Commission was "delighted" to welcome the Princess back. "This visit is about people: the farmers, entrepreneurs and veterans whose stories show the depth of the ties between our two countries."

"From new trade opportunities to support for South Africa's incredible township entrepreneurs it is a chance to celebrate what the UK and South Africa can achieve together."

Strong ties

The UK and South Africa share long-standing links through trade and the Commonwealth, and the programme for the visit highlights practical partnerships in technology, farming and trade.

Official photographs and video from the visit will be published afterwards on the UK in South Africa social media channels, as there will be no media access to the British High Commission engagements.