Princess Anne was the guest of First Lady Natalie Michel – who is also the chairperson of the Children’s Homes Foundation which helps less fortunate children in Seychelles.

Her husband Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence, British high commissioner Matthew Forbes and his wife Lydia accompanied the Princess on her visit.

“The children and I welcomed the Princess Royal with much joy,” said Mrs Michel.

“We were very glad that HRH Princess Anne showed a keen interest in visiting the village, even though it is undergoing renovation. It was a great honour for us to show her the educational centre and the houses of the village.”

During the visit to the educational centre – which has been funded by the government as well as private donors – Princess Anne was particularly interested in the comprehensive approach of the programmes of activities for the children.

She saw the way social skills, character building and spiritual education are incorporated into everyday activities.

Princess Anne is guided on a tour of the village’s facilities (photo above) and is presented with a gift by a young resident

One of the Children’s Homes Foundation’s ambassadors, Jean-Michel Vidot, gave a brief summary of the village and its inhabitants and thanked the Princess Royal for paying them a visit.

Mrs Michel recently appointed two child ambassadors to help her fight for the rights of children living in homes – they speak on behalf of the others at many events.

A choir of children from all the homes around the country then sang songs in honour of the royal visitor.
The President’s Village has 55 children living there, all of whom are victims of abuse or neglect, or are orphans.

Mrs Michel said the foundation works to give them their self-confidence back, as well as make them feel loved.

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