She’s famously the most no-nonsense member of the Royal Family.

So, true to form, Princess Anne insisted on travelling by scheduled airline to SRI Lanka for a whirlwind three-day official visit this week - and even carried her own bags.

The King’s 73-year-old sister is on the island on behalf of the British Government to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, packing in a raft of public engagements.

Sri Lankan Airlines posted pictures on social media of her boarding their aircraft in London, devoid of make-up and lugging two heavy holdalls, accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Princess Anne boards the flight make-up free and in a camel wrap - carrying her own bags 

No-nonsense Princess Anne boards the plane ahead of the long flight to Sri Lanka 

The princess arrives in Sri Lanka without the wrap - but she's still carrying three bags at once

Princess Anne is met at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake near Colombo. She  appears to be pressing her hands together in a traditional sign of greeting in response to the generous welcome

And despite a red carpet and colourful official welcome at the other end in Colombo, she shrugged off any offer of help and happily carried three bags down the plane’s stairs.

She had, however, swapped her camel-coloured casual wool wrap for a smart blazer and her trademark sporty sunglasses - and seemed delighted by the singers and dancers, carrying baskets full of flowers, that greeted her.

Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, was among the dignitaries who formally welcomed the princess and said afterwards: 'This visit is the best possible way to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka.'

‘That's the aim, to show her as much of the country, as much of the diversity as we can, and we think it's the first visit by a member of the royal family to Jaffna, certainly in many, many years, so that will be historic.'

Upon her arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, the Princess Royal signed the Golden Book for VIP visitors.

Over the next few days she will undertake engagements in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna to meet local communities and faith groups and celebrate relations between the two countries.

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, was a British colony that gained its independence in 1948.

On the first day of her visit Anne, who shows no sign of slowing down despite turning 74 this year, was welcomed by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs before immediately heading off to the MAS Active factory, one of the largest clothes and textile companies in South East Asia, and an important partner to many UK firms.

The princess, who is president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, met staff and toured the facilities.

She then visited the Sri Lankan head office of Save The Children - a charity of which she is also patron and with which she has had a long association -  which is marking its 50th anniversary of working in the country.

As part of the charity’s celebrations, Her Royal Highness took part in the tradition of lighting a ceremonial oil lamp which symbolises hope and prosperity – the very same lamp she had lit on her previous visit nearly 30 years ago.

The Princess was also presented with a gift box containing artwork from some of the many thousands of young people that Save the Children has supported through programmes addressing the impacts of poverty, violence, natural disasters and the climate crisis.

There was barely time to draw breath before she headed to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children where Save The Children has been pioneering a social emotional learning programme, known as Tilli, that incorporates games and story-telling to assist parents and teachers on issues around trust, consent, bodies and boundaries.

The innovative programme helps young people from across the country, many of whom are suffering from chronic illnesses, express their feelings and build resilience through games and play.

Princess Anne also spoke with a team of paediatric consultants and child protection experts about the charity’s support for children at the hospital, which began in response to the double blow of the Covid-19 pandemic and a crippling economic crisis that has tipped many Sri Lankan families into destitution.

Her Royal Highness became President of Save the Children UK in 1970, before transitioning to the role of Patron in 2017. She last visited the charity’s work in Sri Lanka in 1995.

Indeed on this leg of the royal tour, Her Royal Highness was photographed by the son of the photographer who captured her previous visit.

The Princess Royal looks touched as she is surrounded by singers and dancers armed with baskets full of flowers

Princess Anne signs the golden book for VIP visitors on arrival at the airport

The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence are welcomed at the the MAS Factory in Colombo during day one of their visit

The Princess Royal is shown round the MAS Factory, which specialises in sports wear and underwear and is also an important  partner for many firms in the United Kingdom

The Princess Royal meets members of staff during a visit to the Sri Lankan headquarters of Save the Children

Princess Anne in discussion at the Save the Children

Unveiling a plaque at Lady Ridgeway Hospital 

Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence speak to children and staff at Lady Ridgeway Hospital about social and emotional learning

Julian Chellappah, Country Director of Save the Children Sri Lanka, said: ‘As Save the Children marks its 50th anniversary of operating in Sri Lanka, we couldn’t be more thrilled thatHer Royal Highness The Princess Royal has chosen to return here to witness first-hand our life-changing work - and see something of the impact we’ve had over the past 50 years.

Her presence is vital to raising awareness of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and their families here.’

Her day will conclude by meeting with the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The princess’s visit is the Royal Family’s first overseas a tour of 2024 and cements her reputation as of the hardest working royals.