Princess Anne, 75, expressed amusement during an encounter with a humanoid robot at a smart mobility laboratory at Korea University in Seoul as part of her official three-day visit to South Korea. The robot paused to wave at the Princess Royal, eliciting a smile, and then awkwardly shook her hand, leading to online jokes about its royal protocol training.
During the visit, Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, observed the robot's movements. According to reports, the Princess Royal has a keen interest in artificial intelligence, and she learned how the robot learns through trial and error and simulation. Korea University and University College London have a cooperative memorandum of understanding established in 2023 that supports joint research projects.
The trip also included a somber commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River. Anne and Sir Timothy visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, where the Princess Royal laid a wreath in honor of fallen British servicemen and placed a chrysanthemum on the grave of Private Martin Hogan. She learned about Victoria Cross recipients, including Lieutenant Philip Curtis and Major Patrick Angier, whose remains were identified years after his death in the conflict.
The battle, which occurred from April 22-25, 1951, involved approximately 4,000 British troops facing over 27,000 Chinese soldiers. The defense of Hill 235, later known as Gloster Hill, saw significant casualties but delayed the advance of Communist forces, preventing a direct assault on Seoul.
Princess Anne also met with Korean War veterans and had an audience with South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung at his residence in Seoul. Additionally, she attended a reception where she met members of the K-Pop group NMIXX, participating in a girls' empowerment partnership with the British Embassy.
This visit marked the first by a member of the royal family to South Korea in 13 years, following the Duke of Gloucester's trip in 2013. Earlier royal visits include those by King Charles (then Prince of Wales) in 1992.
