Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, recently conducted a historic visit to Ukraine, becoming the first member of the British royal family to do so since the Russian invasion began. During her visit, she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska in Kyiv, conveying a message from King Charles.

The Duchess discussed critical issues such as supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the crucial roles of women as peacebuilders in the nation’s recovery efforts. This visit underscored her longstanding commitment to these causes, evidenced by her involvement in initiatives like the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.

Sophie’s itinerary included meetings with survivors of sexual violence and children who were forcibly separated from their families, paying respects in Bucha, a town previously occupied by Russian forces, and visiting the ‘Road to Life’ bridge, which is symbolic of Ukrainian resistance. Her efforts highlighted the significant role of volunteers assisting with mental health care activities for affected communities.

This engagement not only emphasized the British royal family’s support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict but also addressed the broader impacts of war on vulnerable populations, particularly emphasizing the distress faced by women and children.