Save the Children UK’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, has met children playing football in Thailand and leading climate campaigns in South Korea as part of her visits to the child rights organisation.
BANGKOK, 16 July 2026 - Save the Children UK’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, has met children playing football in Thailand and leading climate campaigns in South Korea as part of her visits to the child rights organisation [1].
In Bangkok, Her Royal Highness met children participating in football-related activities at a school in one of the city’s largest informal urban communities, where many families face social and economic challenges.
The ‘Play for Change’ sporting event gave 60 children and youths from Bangkok and Northern Thailand the chance to connect with and learn from people from different backgrounds to promote inclusion and build confidence through sport.
Speaking at the event, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal said:
“Save the Children Thailand, whose work here since 1979 and whose projects I have seen before show the value of practical support, partnership and the community leadership that really does transform the lives of children.”
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal added:
“I know the value of football, and I know the value of sport in so many different ways. It's not just about competition. These values really lie in building confidence and teamwork and talent, and the confidence to have that talent and to deal with success and failure. And for those who are here from the Liverpool Football Club Foundation, we're having to deal with failure this morning and some of you didn't get much sleep, so I apologise.” [2]
The event was hosted by Save the Children Thailand in partnership with British Embassy Bangkok and Liverpool Football Club Foundation. One of Liverpool FC’s legendary former players, Emile Heskey, presented certificates to children and youths, including Moe Pyae Pyae Zaw, 15, who was very excited to be playing football, making new friends and visiting Bangkok for the first time.
Moe Pyae Pyae Zaw said:
“My mother once asked me why, as a girl, I wanted to play football. I believe that playing football isn't about gender. It’s about teamwork.”
Guillaume Rachou, Executive Director of Save the Children Thailand, said:
“We are incredibly honoured to host the Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and to show her the talent and aspirations of children and youth in Thailand.
“Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn, develop confidence, build relationships and discover their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“At Save the Children, we believe every child deserves opportunities to play, learn, participate, and thrive. Her Royal Highness’ visit celebrates the power of play and the power of partnerships to help children build brighter futures.”
During her visit to Save the Children Korea in Seoul on 15 July, Her Royal Highness met with Earthemble, a child and youth participation group, and Young Saver, the organisation’s child rights advocacy group.
Seoyeon Lee, 17, Earthemble Leadership Member, said:
"It was a great honour to meet Her Royal Highness and exchange perspectives and experiences on climate action. As an Earthemble Leadership member, I hope this meaningful exchange will help amplify children's voices on the climate crisis and inspire more people to take action."
The children presented a statement on the climate crisis and child rights to The Princess Royal which reflected their perspectives on the climate crisis and included proposals for governments, businesses, local authorities and schools to ensure that children's voices are reflected in climate policies and decision-making.
Joon Oh, Chairman of Save the Children Korea, said:
"We are honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Save the Children Korea and are deeply grateful for her longstanding support for children.
“107 years after Save the Children was founded, this was a fantastic opportunity for children and youth we support to share their views with her firsthand on the challenges facing them and future generations.”
The Princess Royal served as President of Save the Children UK from 1970 to 2017 before becoming the charity’s Patron in 2017. Save the Children was the first major charity with which she became closely associated.[1]
In her work for the organisation, The Princess Royal has visited Save the Children projects in countries around the world including China, Botswana, Uganda, Madagascar, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Save the Children has worked in Thailand since 1979. Save the Children Thailand works to support children who are most impacted by discrimination and inequality through programmes on education, child protection, livelihood and child rights governance.
Save the Children Korea works to ensure that every child can grow up safe, healthy and protected through its domestic and international programmes, humanitarian assistance, and policy and advocacy work.
References:
[1] The Princess Royal: https://www.royal.uk/the-princess-royal
[2] Reference to England’s defeat in the FIFA World Cup semi finals on 15 July
