Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal speaks to ESU alumni, staff and supporters.
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, attended a dinner held in her honour at the English-Speaking Union on Tuesday 9 December 2025, marking the assumption of her role as Patron of the ESU, announced earlier this year.
The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the ESU’s work in supporting young people in the UK and internationally to develop the communication skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive and build a more collaborative world.
Guests included His Excellency Warren Stephens, United States Ambassador to the UK, and Mrs Stephens, alongside ESU members, volunteers, alumni and supporters from across the UK, the Commonwealth and beyond.
Recent alumni Amy Allison and Solomon Thomas shared powerful reflections during the evening, speaking about their experiences with the ESU and the impact of its programmes. Her Royal Highness also met several of this year’s competition winners, including young people who took part in the ESU Public Speaking and Performing Shakespeare competitions, as well as the winners of the ESU-Rutland Teacher Award.
The Princess Royal has a long-standing relationship with the ESU, having previously served as its President. Over many years she has been a consistent supporter of the organisation, championing the importance of helping young people build the oracy skills and confidence they need to engage with the wider world.
