The Duchess of Edinburgh has secured a boost following the latest Royal Family announcement.
On November 25, Plan International UK announced Sophie, 59, as its new royal patron, taking over a post that the late Prince Philip held from 2015 until 2018.
The news was further circulated by King Charles and Queen Camilla’s team on social media.
The update came on the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Duchess of Edinburgh secures boost with latest Royal Family announcement
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Plan International UK issued the following statement: “We’re delighted to announce our new Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh.
“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.
She made the trip to the Chad-Sudan border to witness the impact of the conflict firsthand and met with young women and girls supported by Plan International UK.
Over 10 million people have been forced to flee Sudan, with women and children comprising a high proportion of those arriving as refugees in Chad.
Plan International UK added: “The Duchess is committed to continuing her work in this area, as part of her new role as Patron of Plan International UK.
The Duchess of Edinburgh photographed with Prince Philip in 2016
PA
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Philip had a very close relationship
PA
“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.”
The news comes just weeks after Sophie stepped in for Queen Camilla, who was sidelined with a chest infection, to join Princess Kate on the balcony for Remembrance Sunday on November 10.
In a touching display of solidarity with 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.
The Royal Family’s website describes 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).
