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Princess Anne jets out of UK to make surprise appearance at glitzy gala

Princess Anne has jetted out of the UK for a surprise overseas visit.

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The royal – the Queen's only daughter – departed from Heathrow Airport on Monday morning, bound for the United States.

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She flew into John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, where she was received by His Majesty's Consul-General for New York, Mrs Emma Wade-Smith.

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Anne was later the guest of honour at a gala dinner for the English Speaking Union at the Cosmopolitan Club.

princess-anne-speech
princess-anne-speech

Princess Anne made a special appearance at a New York gala

She also gave an address at the glamourous event – where the dress code was black tie and cocktail dresses.

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The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a non-profit educational charity that employs the English language to foster global understanding and good will through educational opportunities and cultural exchange programs.

princess-anne-queen
princess-anne-queen

The royal had a very close bond with her mother, the Queen

Anne's return to royal duties comes less than a month after the death of her mother, the Queen.

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The monarch died on Thursday 8 September at Balmoral in Scotland surrounded by her close family. It was Anne who accompanied the coffin back to Buckingham Palace.

princess-anne-prince-charles-mourning
princess-anne-prince-charles-mourning

Anne accompanied her mother's coffin from Balmoral to London

Prior to the funeral, Anne released a heartbreaking statement which read: "I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother's life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys.

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"Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting. We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who shares our sense of loss."

princess-anne-queen-throwback
princess-anne-queen-throwback

Anne paid a heartbreaking tribute to her mother following her death

She concluded: "We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch. To my mother, The Queen, thank you."

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