Princess Anne is in Cape Town until 4 November. Here's why, and her plans
Princess Anne is in Cape Town on 3 and 4 November 2026 for the first Commonwealth Agriculture Conference held in South Africa. Here's her programme and why there's no public access.
Princess Anne, King Charles III's sister, is in Cape Town on 3 and 4 November 2026 for the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference, the first time the event has been held in South Africa (British High Commission, Agri-Expo).
She is here as president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, the network of farming societies that runs the conference. It is her second visit to South Africa in two years and her sixth overall (British High Commission).
Why is Princess Anne in Cape Town?
The conference runs from 1 to 5 November under the theme "Opportunities of Change in a Connected World: From South Africa to the World". It brings together farming leaders and young farmers from across the Commonwealth, with talks on leadership, climate resilience and the future of food production (Agri-Expo, British High Commission).
On Tuesday she spoke at the conference and praised South Africa's agriculture sector (News24).
What is on her programme?
| Engagement | What it is about |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Agriculture Conference | Leadership, climate resilience and global farming |
| Township entrepreneurs | Small businesses in the UK-South Africa Tech Hub's Township Digital Market Access programme, which helps them sell online on platforms such as Takealot |
| Western Cape stud farm | A new UK-South Africa trade protocol for exporting and importing horses |
| WWII veteran | Meeting South Africa's last known World War II veteran and his family to thank him for his service |
Source: British High Commission. SAPeople names the veteran as William Sadiki (SAPeople).
Can the public or media see her?
Not at the British High Commission engagements. The High Commission says there is no media access, and official photos and video will be posted after the visit on the UK in South Africa Flickr, Facebook, X and Instagram accounts (British High Commission).
The conference itself is open to any delegate who registers, not only society members (Agri-Expo).
Has she been to South Africa before?
Yes. On her last visit, in January 2025, she unveiled the Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. In April 2012 she met then Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe in Pretoria during Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee year (SAPeople).
FAQ
When is Princess Anne in Cape Town?
On 3 and 4 November 2026, according to the British High Commission.
Why is Princess Anne visiting South Africa?
To attend the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference as president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.
Can I go see Princess Anne?
There is no media access to her British High Commission engagements. Official photos will be shared on UK in South Africa social media after the visit.