Princess Anne Concludes Greece Visit Honoring Battle of Crete, May 28

Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, concluded a three-day royal visit to Greece on May 24, 2026, honoring the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The couple attended memorial services, toured war museums, and witnessed a Royal Air Force flypast at the Venetian port in Chania. The visit reinforced Britain’s diplomatic ties with Greece and paid tribute to over 3,500 Allied soldiers killed during the 1941 battle.

Final Day Honors Wartime Sacrifice

The royal visit concluded with a solemn memorial service at the Holy Metropolitan Church of Chania on May 24. Princess Anne and Sir Timothy then toured the Naval Museum of Crete and viewed wartime exhibitions at Firkas Fortress. The couple witnessed a traditional doxology ceremony before gathering at the Venetian port to see the RAF Red Arrows flypast, a tribute to remembrance and international friendship.

Battle of Crete Left Devastating Toll

In May 1941, German paratroopers launched one of history’s largest airborne invasions to seize Crete. British, Greek, Australian, and New Zealand forces defended the island for 11 days before being overwhelmed. Allied losses exceeded 3,500 killed and nearly 12,000 taken prisoner. The Royal Navy evacuated approximately 17,000 personnel to Egypt, though around 5,000 Allied servicemen remained stranded and were captured.

Royal Couple Strengthens Britain-Greece Bond

The three-day tour began on May 22 when Princess Anne met President Konstantinos Tasoulas at Athens’ Presidential Mansion. Princess Anne attended the 85th anniversary commemoration at the Royal Air Force Memorial in Maleme village, honoring squadron airmen killed in defensive operations. The visit reflected the enduring historical connection forged between Britain and Greece through wartime sacrifice.

Historic Brooch Marks Diplomatic Occasion

During her meeting with President Tasoulas, Princess Anne wore her Gold Ribbon Brooch, a mid-20th-century piece fashioned as a loosely tied bow and adorned with 12 diamonds. The final day marked the moving conclusion of the royal visit to Greece. She first wore this brooch in February 1969 when meeting Apollo 8 commander Colonel Frank Borman at Buckingham Palace and has displayed it frequently at major state occasions.

Final Thoughts

Princess Anne’s visit reinforced Britain’s commitment to honoring shared wartime history with Greece. The three-day tour demonstrated the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations and paid solemn tribute to the 3,500 Allied soldiers killed at Crete.

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