PUBLIC ROLE

The Princess Royal has a wide range of public roles, and a very busy working schedule. In 2005 Her Royal Highness carried out some 640 engagements in the UK and overseas.

The Princess began to undertake public engagements alone when she was 18. She first flew her personal standard in 1969 when she opened an educational and training centre in Shropshire. Her first State visit was in May the same year, when she accompanied her mother and father to Austria.

The Save the Children Fund, of which she has been President since 1970, was the first major charity with which she became closely associated. It has given her great insight into the needs of children worldwide, and an understanding of the issues affecting developing countries.

In her work for the organisation, the Princess has visited Save the Children projects in many countries, including Indonesia, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Malawi, Botswana and Madagascar.

The Princess has been closely involved with the creation of several charities, notably The Princess Royal's Trust for Carers, Transaid and Riders for Health.

The Princess Royal's Trust for Carers provides support for the millions of individuals in the UK who are responsible for caring for someone.

Transaid and Riders for Health both try to overcome some of the difficulties caused by poor transportation links in developing countries.

The Princess also works with over 200 other organisations, to all of which she devotes a large part of her working life.