Sophie, 59, made a secret trip to the country at the request of the UK Foreign Office to “demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war”, said Buckingham Palace.
She also delivered a personal message from the King to President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena, who warmly welcomed their royal guest. His Majesty has spoken out against the conflict several times, marking the second anniversary of the outbreak in February with a speech condemning the “unprovoked attack”.
Together with Ukraine’s First Couple, the Duchess discussed how to support the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, as well as the role women have in helping with Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
Following their talks, the Duchess joined Olena to view the World Heritage-listed St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, where she signed the guestbook and admired the unique architecture.
She later met survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, who shared their stories, and chatted to the volunteers who are helping their communities cope with the trauma of the impact of the invasion.
BRINGING SMILES TO THE CHILDREN
Visiting the UN Population Fund offices in Kyiv, the mum of two was particularly taken with one toddler, smiling and holding her hand out to him as he wriggled in his mum’s arms while a group photo was taking place.
This story is from the May 13, 2024 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 13, 2024 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS AT EPSOM RACECOURSE CAPRICE BOURRET WINS BY A HEAD AS SHE MODELS HAUTE HATS FOR A CAUSE CLOSE TO HER HEART
Striking a confident pose alongside an elegant racehorse in the bright spring sunshine, Caprice Bourret is in her element joining Hello! for an exclusive interview and photoshoot at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
CONTINUING HIS CAMPAIGN AROUND MENTAL HEALTH RIO FERDINAND ON HELPING CHILDREN SHOW THEIR EMOTIONS AND WHY HE AND WIFE KATE ARE THE PERFECT MATCH
When he was a professional footballer, Rio Ferdinand was used to a dressing-room culture full of bravado and banter, where showing emotion was seen as a sign of weakness.
AUTHOR, T.V. PRESENTER AND PROUD MUM JANET ELLIS ON DAUGHTER SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR'S SUCCESS AND LIVING WITH HER 20-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON
If you’ve watched the hit film Saltburn, the chances are you’ll remember the graphic scene featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s disco track Murder on the Dancefloor and actor Barry Keoghan’s extraordinary nude dance.
SPREADING JOY DURING HER BUSY WEEK THE QUEEN AWESOME CAMILLA BRINGS CARROTS AND SMILES
The Queen gave two very special guests the royal treatment at Buckingham Palace last week as she fed carrots to a donkey and a Shetland pony from a silver tray.
AS THE ERAS TOUR SWEEPS INTO EUROPE.TAYLOR SWIFT FEELS THE LOVE IN PARIS AS SHE RETURNS WITH NEW COSTUMES AND NEW SONGS
It has been one of the most talked-about music events in decades and last week, Paris sparkled in an explosion of light, sound and sequins as Taylor Swift kicked off the European leg of The Eras Tour in the City of Love.
JESS IRWIN
ON KEEPING HIS SPIRIT ALIVE FOR THEIR ADORED LITTLE BOYS
A PRETTY BIG WEDDING UMAR KAMANI AND NADA ADELLE
SEAL THEIR LOVE IN SPECTACULAR STYLE WITH STARRY GUESTS IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
PRINCESS EUGENIE
RARE PICTURES GIVE SNAPSHOT OF FAMILY LIFE
PRINCESS BEATRICE
REVEALS PRIDE IN MUM'S RESILIENCE
LADY LOUISE
STYLE AND SPORT TROTS IN THE FAMILY