Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh Strengthens Her Role in Royal Family with Latest Announcement

Mar. 15, 2025

“We’re delighted to announce our new Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh,” Plan UK wrote onX. “As a champion of women’s rights, The Duchess has witnessed first hand the impact conflict and crisis can have on young women and girls. We look forward to working with The Duchess to raise awareness of the barriers facing girls around the world.”

The announcement featured a photo of Sophie sitting with young women during her recent trip to Chad in October. The visit was significant as it marked the first time a member of the British royal family officially visited Chad.

“The Duchess is committed to continuing her work in this area, as part of her new role as Patron of Plan International UK. Her Royal Highness will support the charity’s work to end violence against women and girls in conflict and crisis settings and help to raise greater awareness about the barriers facing girls around the world,” Plan UK said in astatement.

The news comes just weeks after Sophie stepped in forQueen Camilla, who wassidelined with a chest infection, to joinKate Middletonon the balcony for Remembrance Sunday on November 10. In atouching display of solidaritywith Kate, who is gradually returning to public duties after completing chemotherapy, Sophie placed her arm around the Princess of Wales as they left the balcony together.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh stand from the balcony during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 10, 2024 in London, England.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

The royal family’swebsitedescribes Sophie as a “global champion” for the United Nations' Women, Peace and Security Agenda and a supporter of the United Kingdom’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI). Raising awareness around the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls has become one of her close causes in recent years, and her new role with Plan UK will further this work.

Sophie and Prince Philip attend a Christmas church service at Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2016.Chris Jackson/Getty

The global children’s charity works in over 80 countries to ensure every child is safe and receives an education, with girls safeguarded from violence and confident that their voices are heard.

Sophie’s new patronage of Plan UK marks another charitable cause she has taken on that is linked to her late in-laws. In October, Girlguiding announced the Duchess of Edinburgh as its new patron, a change from her previous role as president.

In May, Buckingham Palace announced a “major review” of 1,000 patronages and presidencies following the death of Queen Elizabeth and the accession of King Charles in 2022.

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source: people.com