Princess Anne in Antarctica

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal is the first member of the British Royal Family to visit the British Antarctic Territory in 50 years – the last royal visit to the territory was made by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1957.

Accompanied by her husband Rear Admiral Timothy Laurence, Her Royal Highness has visited the British Antarctic Survey's main base, Rothera Research Station, and has seen the work done by British scientists in the territory.

Her Royal Highness also visited a United States scientific station and a Ukranian research base in the continent.

HMS Endurance was at hand to transport the Princess Royal around the Antarctic Peninsula area to inspect conservation work being undertaken by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust – The Princess is patron of the trust.

While onboard HMS Endurance, the Princess Royal was also able to visit several historical sites in the Antarctic Peninsula area including a visit to the former British base at Port Lockroy, the only Historic Site in Antarctica to be operated as a living museum.

Pictures of the Princess's visit to the British Antarctic Territory are available here.