▲ President Lee Jae Myung (C) poses for a photo with Princess Anne of Britain (L) and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on July 14, 2026. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) president-Princess Anne

(LEAD) Lee meets Princess Anne, says S. Koreans have been waiting for her

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung met Britain's Princess Anne on Tuesday, telling her that South Koreans have been waiting for her visit.

The meeting took place at Cheong Wa Dae as the British princess, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and sister of King Charles III, is visiting South Korea on a three-day trip starting Monday to promote collaboration between South Korea and Britain.

The visit marks her first to South Korea in eight years, following her trip for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"South Koreans have been waiting for Princess Anne ... Thank you for your visit," Lee told the princess.

Lee recalled the late Queen Elizabeth II's 1999 visit to the historic South Korean city of Andong, noting that it is his hometown.

During the meeting, Princess Anne spoke about her visit earlier Tuesday to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co.'s shipyard in the southeastern city of Ulsan, referring to maritime cooperation between South Korea and Britain.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries maintains close ties with British companies, she also said, citing Rolls-Royce as one example.

The previous day, Cheong Wa Dae said the meeting will cover ways to promote friendly cooperation between South Korea and Britain, including high-level exchanges and security situations in major regions.

Lee's chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung later quoted Lee as expressing hope that Anne's visit will become a landmark for continuing friendship between the two countries. The president also expressed hope that South Korea and the British royal family will continue exchanges.

Princess Anne expressed hope that President Lee will visit Britain in the near future to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation, according to Kang.

Lee responded that further details will be discussed through the diplomatic channel, saying he hopes to see Princess Anne again if he visits Britain.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]