DELIVERING A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE KING THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH SPEAKS OUT AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON A HISTORIC SECRET VISIT TO WAR-TORN UKRAINE

She has long been involved in supporting survivors of sexual violence, and last week the Duchess of Edinburgh continued her mission when she became the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in 2022.

- LAURA BENJAMIN

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.