Duchess Sophie announces major solo trip abroad lasting 9 days | Royal | News
Duchess Sophie is gearing up for a busy nine days as she kicks off her major solo tour in South and Central America. The 60-year-old Duchess of Edinburgh will visit Peru, Panama and Guatemala abroad from now until November 19.
The Duchess will also visit Belize on this tour as part of the Royal Family’s relationship with the Kingdoms. Sophie is not accompanied by her husband, 61-year-old Prince Edward, on this trip. During her stay in Peru, the Duchess will visit the Amazon rainforest and meet indigenous leaders.
This will include women who sustain their communities through environmental and economic activities.
The Duchess will also visit the Divino Niño vision center to learn about the clinic’s services in the treatment of glaucoma and pterygium. This visit is part of Sophie’s role as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Sophie will next visit Panama, where she will meet senior members of the government. During key meetings with them, Sophie and members of the Government will discuss ways in which Panama and the United Kingdom can work together to tackle global challenges.
This will include how they can help reduce conflict-related sexual violence, an issue Sophie is very passionate about.
The Duchess will also visit Guatemala, where she will witness civil society’s support for victims of human trafficking and sexual violence. This will include a visit to a charity that supports vulnerable young people.
Buckingham Palace said the Duchess will also see first-hand conservation efforts by Indigenous groups in remote and biodiverse areas of the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Prince Edward’s wife will travel to the Commonwealth Territory of Belize to celebrate its diverse and dynamic society before returning to the UK after her whirlwind tour.
This will include participation in the Garifuna Settlement Day national holiday, as well as opportunities for the duchess to learn about Belize’s efforts to preserve the natural environment. The Duchess will also visit the British Army Training Support Unit Belize to see overseas jungle training.
Sophie’s outing comes just a day after she was spotted with the Royal Family in central London for Remembrance Sunday.
