Princess Anne, in a surprising turn of events, graced the streets of New York City on Tuesday, marking a significant moment as the first Senior Royal to set foot in the United States since the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from their royal duties.

Her presence in the bustling city was met with enthusiasm as she embarked on a series of four Royal engagements, captivating the attention of onlookers and royal enthusiasts alike.

The distinguished Princess Anne’s visit to the U.S. comes as a noteworthy milestone, following in the footsteps of her late parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who ventured on a memorable tour of the Big Apple nearly 65 years ago.

Touching down at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Princess Anne was warmly welcomed by His Majesty’s Consul General for New York, Emma Wadesmith, setting the stage for a remarkable journey ahead.

One of the highlights of Princess Anne’s visit was her attendance as the guest of honor at a prestigious gala dinner hosted by the English-speaking Union at the esteemed Cosmopolitan Club.

Delivering a captivating address at the elegant Black Tie event, she charmed the audience with her grace and eloquence, embodying the essence of royalty and diplomacy.

Prior to the grand dinner, Princess Anne embarked on a delightful excursion aboard the Staten Island Ferry to visit the National Lighthouse Museum, a symbolic gesture that resonated deeply with maritime history enthusiasts.

During her visit, she was bestowed with the honorary title of Chair for the Campaign for Illuminating Future Generations, unveiling a miniature figurine of Needles Lighthouse from the Isle of Wight in loving memory of her esteemed parents.

Reflecting on the significance of lighthouses in educating the masses about the maritime world in all its facets, Princess Anne expressed her admiration for the museum’s role in preserving this rich history.

She emphasized the importance of storytelling in preserving heritage and fostering understanding, underscoring the profound impact of institutions like the National Lighthouse Museum in shaping collective narratives.

Interestingly, it was initially Prince William who was slated to journey to the United States, with plans to attend the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York.