85th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete with the Princess Royal
If you attended the 2026 Reunion you will know that the Sqn and Association were celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete at Maleme the weekend of 22-24 May. This is an article/blog from ‘crete-escapes.com’ about the event that had a very special guest.
From the Association side, we were well represented by Phil Jones (Sec) and Pete Gregory (Maleme rep). A lot more (with photos) will be coming soon so please treat this as a bit of a taster for now
Princess Anne's Visit to Greece
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is set to make an official visit to Greece from 22 to 24 May, taking part in international ceremonies marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the trip will begin in Athens before she continues on to Crete later in the visit. The weekend programme combines commemoration, diplomacy, and public remembrance at a series of significant locations.
Why the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete Matters
The Battle of Crete remains one of the most important and hard-fought campaigns of the Second World War, remembered for the extraordinary courage shown by Allied troops and the people of Crete. Though the island ultimately fell after twelve days of fighting, the cost to the Axis powers was catastrophic. British, New Zealand, Australian, and Greek forces defended the island alongside a determined civilian resistance, creating a legacy of shared sacrifice that is still honoured today. The battle is also widely viewed as a turning point in the wider war, with its impact felt far beyond the island itself.
Princess Anne's Itinerary in Athens and Crete
Her visit will begin in Athens, where she will attend events in her capacity as President of the Mission to Seafarers, an international organisation that supports maritime workers around the world. From there, she will travel to Crete to take part in official remembrance activities connected to the anniversary. The itinerary reflects a blend of charity work, historical tribute, and diplomatic engagement, underscoring the enduring relationship between Britain and Greece.
The RAF Memorial in Maleme and Souda Bay Remembrance Service
In Chania, Princess Anne is scheduled to attend a solemn service at the Royal Air Force Memorial in Maleme, where tribute will be paid to the airmen of the 30 and 33 Squadrons who lost their lives in May 1941. The memorial site is deeply significant because it stands as a place of reflection on the sacrifice made during the Battle of Crete and on the bravery of those who served there. She will also join international dignitaries at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Souda Bay for a Service of Remembrance. Before concluding her visit, she is expected to meet local families and descendants of Cretan resistance fighters and Allied soldiers, highlighting how the legacy of the battle continues to live on through personal memory and shared history.