During a visit to Korea University in Seoul, Princess Anne received an unexpected greeting from a humanoid robot, marking a lighthearted moment in a trip focused on scientific collaboration. According to reports from the Princess Royal's official tour, the advanced machine moved across the Smart Mobility Laboratory before stopping to wave at the royal visitor, prompting a smile from Anne .

Wearing her signature navy blue day gloves, the Princess leaned forward to shake the robot's hand, an image that was later shared on the royal family's official social media accounts . Anne, who serves as the Princess Royal, was visiting the university to observe the latest developments in artificial intelligence and robotics, specifically exploring how machines learn movement through trial-and-error methods and simulation techniques .

Accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Princess also witnessed demonstrations of a dual-arm robot working alongside a motion capture system . The visit to Korea University underscored the growing academic and industrial links between the United Kingdom and South Korea, building on a memorandum of understanding signed between University College London and the Korean institution three years ago . The joint fund established by the partnership supports collaborative science research projects between the two countries.

Why this matters

This engagement highlights the deepening science and technology partnership between the UK and South Korea, two nations increasingly focused on AI and robotics innovation. The visit comes as both countries seek to strengthen ties in advanced research fields, with the royal tour serving as a platform to showcase bilateral cooperation .

Following the conclusion of her South Korea visit, Princess Anne is set to travel to Thailand on Thursday for the next leg of her overseas tour. During her time in Bangkok, she will visit a school supported by Save the Children Thailand, meet with the Thai Prime Minister, and hold an audience with the King and Queen of Thailand, continuing her diplomatic and charitable engagements across the region.