24 Jan Royal Visit Highlights: HRH The Princess Royal at the SAAO

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Royal Visit Highlights: HRH The Princess Royal at the SAAO

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) on 22 January 2025, as part of her engagements in South Africa. During her visit, she was warmly received by SAAO’s Managing Director, Dr Rosalind Skelton, and introduced to key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

NRF-SAAO Managing Director Dr Rosalind Skelton and NRF-SAAO Head of Astronomy Prof Stephen Potter showcase the NRF-SAAO’s Remote Observing capabilities. (Image Credit: British High Commission SA)

The Princess Royal embarked on a comprehensive tour of the observatory, beginning with a historical overview of SAAO’s contributions to optical and infrared astronomy. Her visit included the main building’s library, where she explored historical books and maps dating back to the 1800s, as well as the remote observing room, showcasing advanced technologies used in telescope operations.

HRH Princess Royal takes in the 129-year-old Victoria Telescope. (Image Credit: British High Commission SA)

A highlight of the tour was the Victoria Telescope, an iconic instrument that has played a pivotal role in global astronomy. Her Royal Highness learned about its historical contributions, alongside insights into the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. She also visited the Indigenous Astronomy and Heliostat exhibits at the Visitors’ Centre, gaining a deeper understanding of cultural and scientific advancements in South African astronomy.

The NRF-SAAO Visitors Centre highlighting South Africa’s rich Indigenous Astronomy Knowledge (Image Credit: British High Commission SA)

The Princess Royal engaged with SAAO staff and scientists throughout her visit, showing great interest in the observatory’s research, its historical significance, and its role in advancing global astronomy. Her visit underscored the critical contributions of SAAO as a leading centre for astronomical research in Africa.