The Duchess of Edinburgh has arrived in Kenya for a two-day visit centred on women’s contributions to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, following her recent trip to Somalia, just as a health update was issued for her husband.
Sophie’s Somali visit, undertaken at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, focused on conflict-related sexual violence and amplifying survivor voices.
Her Kenyan programme will celebrate female leaders working across security, peacebuilding and business sectors.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward withdrew from a royal engagement at St James’s Palace on Tuesday after falling ill with a cold.
Duchess of Edinburgh arrives in Kenya after husband’s health update
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The Duke of Edinburgh was expected to attend alongside Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as the King presented university prizes.
During her time in Nairobi, Sophie will hold talks with President William Rutto at State House.
She will also tour Kazuri Beads, a social enterprise where she plans to speak with artisans about how creative skills can foster economic independence.
Meetings with Kenyan businesswomen and leaders will explore how women’s economic empowerment strengthens community resilience and stability.
The Duchess of Edinburgh just spent two days in Somalia
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Sophie will additionally engage with Sudanese women peacebuilders who are campaigning for improved protections and justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
The British High Commission will host a reception honouring women in leadership positions, timed ahead of International Women’s Day next month.
Beyond the capital, the duchess will participate in discussions with women peacebuilders addressing community resilience in areas affected by climate shocks and resource pressures.
She will hear directly from women about their experiences mediating local disputes and maintaining early environmental warning systems.
The Duchess of Edinburgh is a champion of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and supports the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative
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The visit will conclude with the duchess laying wreaths at the graves of two British soldiers at a Commonwealth War Graves site.
This marks Sophie’s return to Kenya, having last visited the country in 2019.
King Charles and Queen Camilla conducted a State Visit to Kenya in 2023, maintaining the Royal Family’s strong ties with the East African nation.
Sophie has championed the Women, Peace and Security agenda and supported the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative since announcing her commitment to both causes on International Women’s Day in 2019.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a royal engagement at St James’s Palace on Tuesday
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GETTYOver the past six years, her advocacy work has taken her to numerous countries grappling with historical and ongoing challenges, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kosovo, Ukraine, Sierra Leone, Chad, Colombia, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and South Sudan.
The duchess remains dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of women and girls worldwide, particularly those affected by conflict-related sexual violence, while emphasising the importance of empowering survivors and combating stigma.
