The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, visited on Thursday British Forces in Cyprus and the United Nations where she spent time with British troops serving on the island.
According to a press release, the Princess is the Royal Colonel of The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) who are the British peace-keeping force serving at the UN Nicosia base.
The Princess inspected a Guard of Honour before undertaking a tour of the ‘Green Line’ which divides the city of Nicosia. She then spoke with troops serving with the Battalion.
Speaking at the UN, she told the assembled troops ‘ I’m confident that you do this as well as you do everything else, as you approach all the roles that you do, with a consummate professionalism. Thank you for another job well done’.
During her Cyprus visit, the Princess also took the opportunity to meet British Forces personnel based in RAF Akrotiri, who according to the British Bases press release “are working tirelessly supporting operations over Iraq and Syria.”
Before leaving, the Princess was welcomed by 903 Expeditionary Air Wing RAF, who have been conducting the air campaigns over Iraq and most recently Syria. During this brief visit Her Royal Highness was able to get a better understanding of how the air operation is conducted and to meet those involved.
The UK has retained two military bases in Cyprus after the island gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
CNA/MM/2016