Myanmar's detained Aung San Suu Kyi, 81, talks to her son for the first time in five years

The 20-minute phone call was patched through Myanmar's embassy in London. Kim Aris said his mother 'sounded strong', though she is in poor health and has been dealing with tendonitis. Still under house arrest, she has had no contact with any family member since the military ousted her in the 2021 coup. The breakthrough follows a loosening of her detention restrictions.

The junta released rare images of her after King Charles's dramatic intervention.

Aris warned the photos aim to 'create an illusion of normality'.

'My mother must never be held hostage or used as a bargaining chip,' Aris said.