Editing Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (section)

==Public life==
[[File:Queen's Birthday Parade 2012 - Prince Edward.jpg|left|thumb|Sophie and [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Edward]] at the Queen's Birthday Parade in [[Gibraltar]] in 2012]]
Sophie's first overseas tour after her marriage was to the Canadian province of [[Prince Edward Island]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Scott |first1=Burke |last2=Aimers|first2=John |authorlink2=John Aimers |title=Wessexs' Tour a Triumph |journal=Canadian Monarchist News |issue=Autumn 2001 |publisher=Monarchist League of Canada |date=October 2001 |url=http://www.monarchist.ca/cmn/2001/wessex.htm |access-date=27 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708015252/http://www.monarchist.ca/cmn/2001/wessex.htm |archive-date=8 July 2009 }}</ref>

In December 2011, the Countess of Wessex joined her husband visiting troops in Afghanistan. In February and March 2012, the Earl and Countess visited the [[Caribbean]] for the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee]], visiting Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, [[Montserrat]], Saint Kitts and Nevis, [[Anguilla]] and Antigua and Barbuda. Highlights of the tour included the 50th Anniversary Independence Day celebrations in Saint Lucia, a joint address from both houses of the Barbados Parliament and a visit to sites affected by the recent volcanic eruptions in [[Montserrat]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=Carolyn|title=Royals of the Caribbean: The 2012 Diamond Jubilee Commonwealth Tours Begin|url=http://www.royalhistorian.com/royals-of-the-caribbean-the-2012-diamond-jubilee-commonwealth-tours-begin/|access-date=22 June 2013|publisher=royalhistorian.com|date=15 February 2012|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709035306/http://www.royalhistorian.com/royals-of-the-caribbean-the-2012-diamond-jubilee-commonwealth-tours-begin/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2012, as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Edward and Sophie, represented the Queen during a three-day tour to [[Gibraltar]]. The couple attended a Queen's Birthday Parade and toured Main Street, in the historic old town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/9324361/Earl-and-Countess-of-Wessex-greeted-by-overwhelming-British-patriotism-in-Gibraltar.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/9324361/Earl-and-Countess-of-Wessex-greeted-by-overwhelming-British-patriotism-in-Gibraltar.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Earl and Countess of Wessex greeted by overwhelming British patriotism in Gibraltar|date=11 June 2012 |publisher=hellomagazine.com|access-date=11 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2013, the couple visited South Africa. Later that year, the Countess made solo trips to India and Qatar as the patron of the sight-saving charity Orbis UK.<ref name="Tel-2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10469258/Sophie-Wessex-The-unsung-star-of-the-Royal-family.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10469258/Sophie-Wessex-The-unsung-star-of-the-Royal-family.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sophie Wessex: The unsung star of the Royal family|newspaper=The Telegraph|first=Ingrid|last=Seward|date=23 November 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Q-2013">{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/countess-and-qatar-creating-vision-initiative|title=Qatar Creating Vision initiative|date=31 March 2016|publisher=The Royal Family|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312204757/https://www.royal.uk/countess-and-qatar-creating-vision-initiative|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2013092014657/sophie-wessex-tour-india-continues/|title=Sophie Wessex brings joy to eye patients in India|publisher=Hello!|date=20 September 2013|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144723/https://us.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2013092014657/sophie-wessex-tour-india-continues/|url-status=live}}</ref> She made a similar visit to Bangladesh in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02017112140216/sophie-wessex-vists-children-bangladesh|title=Sophie Wessex shows off her maternal side as she meets locals in Bangladesh|publisher=Hello!|first=Sharnaz|last=Shahid|date=21 November 2017|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144530/https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02017112140216/sophie-wessex-vists-children-bangladesh|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sophie, as Colonel-in-Chief of [[Corps of Army Music]], visited The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra at the [[Royal Artillery Barracks]], in London. On 3 March 2014, the Queen approved the title of "The [[Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra]]" for the new Army String Orchestra in recognition of the Corps of Army Music's Colonel-in-Chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classical-music.com/event/lunchtime-concert-countess-wessex-s-string-orchestra|title=Lunchtime Concert – The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra|publisher=classical-music.com|access-date=27 May 2018|archive-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528135232/http://www.classical-music.com/event/lunchtime-concert-countess-wessex-s-string-orchestra|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2014, Sophie was in Zambia representing the Queen at the state funeral of the late president of Zambia, [[Michael Sata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lusakavoice.com/2014/11/10/countess-of-wessex-arrives-for-satas-funeral/|title=Countess of Wessex arrives for Sata's funeral|date=10 November 2014|publisher=lusakavoice.com|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112032204/http://lusakavoice.com/2014/11/10/countess-of-wessex-arrives-for-satas-funeral/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:The Countess of Wessex, Cheshire Show (2015).jpg|thumb|180px|Sophie attending [[the Royal Cheshire County Show]] in 2015]]
On 26 March 2015, Sophie attended the [[reburial of Richard III of England]] in [[Leicester Cathedral]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-32052800|title=Richard III: Leicester Cathedral reburial service for king|publisher=BBC|date=26 March 2015|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-date=21 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821034911/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-32052800|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2015, Sophie represented the Queen in the 70th anniversary celebrations to mark the Liberation Day of the [[Channel Islands]]. The Countess delivered a message from the Queen, who paid tribute to the island's continued allegiance and loyalty to the Crown.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-jersey-32664910
|title=Thousands turn out for Liberation Day celebration
|work=BBC News
|date=9 May 2015
|access-date=9 May 2015
|archive-date=14 May 2015
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514151021/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-jersey-32664910
|url-status=live
}}</ref> She visited Canada and the United States in November 2015. While in Toronto, she criss-crossed across the city, making stops at the [[Royal Agricultural Winter Fair]] and the UHN's [[Toronto General Hospital]] and [[Toronto Western Hospital]], of which she is patron. Sophie then travelled to New York City, paying an emotional visit to the [[National September 11 Memorial & Museum]]. Sophie also made an appearance at an [[Armistice Day]] service at the [[Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden]], which was opened in commemoration of the 67 British victims of the attack. The Countess later attended the [[100 Women in Hedge Funds]] Gala dinner in [[Manhattan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02015111320113/sophie-countess-of-wessex-visits-toronto-s-royal-agricultural-winter-fair/|title=Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visits Toronto's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair|date=13 November 2015|publisher=ca.hellomagazine.com.|access-date=13 November 2015|archive-date=16 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116164334/http://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02015111320113/sophie-countess-of-wessex-visits-toronto-s-royal-agricultural-winter-fair/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2015111228193/sophie-wessex-attends-9-11-memorial/|title=Sophie Wessex pays emotional visit to 9/11 memorial in New York|date=12 November 2015|publisher=ca.hellomagazine.com.|access-date=12 November 2015|archive-date=16 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116132000/http://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2015111228193/sophie-wessex-attends-9-11-memorial/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Earl and Countess of Wessex toured Canada in June 2016, visiting [[Ontario]], Manitoba, [[Saskatchewan]] and [[Alberta]]. The couple visited a variety of places in and around [[Regina, Saskatchewan]] before attending the Globe Theatre's 50th anniversary gala.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-wessex-visit-canada|title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Canada|date=28 June 2016|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106030811/https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-wessex-visit-canada|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2017, Sophie embarked on a 4-day visit to Malawi as Vice-Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, visiting programmes to end avoidable blindness and champion young leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jubileetribute.org/news/2017/trust-vice-patron-to-visit-malawi-in-commonwealth-week-to-see-the-work-of-the-trust|title=Trust Vice-Patron to visit Malawi in Commonwealth Week to see the work of the Trust|publisher=jubileetribute.org|access-date=6 March 2017|archive-date=15 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315055838/http://www.jubileetribute.org/news/2017/trust-vice-patron-to-visit-malawi-in-commonwealth-week-to-see-the-work-of-the-trust|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 May 2017, the Countess attended King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway's 80th Birthday Celebrations on behalf of the royal family.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2017051038804/sophie-wessex-king-harald-queen-sonja-80th-birthday-celebrations/|title=Sophie Wessex makes glamorous appearance at royal birthday gathering|date=10 May 2017|publisher=hellomagazine.com|access-date=10 May 2017|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527202938/https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2017051038804/sophie-wessex-king-harald-queen-sonja-80th-birthday-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Earl and Countess of Wessex represented the Queen at the [[50th Anniversary Celebrations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's Accession to the Throne of Brunei]] in October 2017.<ref name="thecrownchronicles.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/edward-sophie-attend-sultan-bruneis-golden-jubilee-celebrations/|title=Edward & Sophie attend Sultan of Brunei's Golden Jubilee celebrations|date=5 October 2017|publisher=thecrownchronicles.co.uk|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511082012/https://www.thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/edward-sophie-attend-sultan-bruneis-golden-jubilee-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 November 2017, Sophie visited the 'Making for Change' fashion training and manufacturing unit, a fashion training and manufacturing unit established by the [[Ministry of Justice]] and [[London College of Fashion]] at [[HM Prison Downview]] as patron of the London College of Fashion During her visit, the Countess met staff and prisoners, including female inmates, and awarded participants with certificates as part of their training programme.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=RoyalFamily|author=The Royal Family|number=936294984977997824|title='Making for Change' is a fashion training & manufacturing unit established by the Ministry of Justice and London College of Fashion, @UAL in 2014 at HMP Holloway. It moved to its new home of HMP Downview in summer 2016.|date=30 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=RoyalFamily|author=The Royal Family|number=936295249860800512|title=The Countess met staff and prisoners, including female inmate Trudy, and awarded participants with certificates as part of their training programme. Trudy received her ABC Level 1 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles.|date=30 November 2017}}</ref>
[[File:The Countess of Wessex, Titanic Belfast, 2018 (5).jpg|left|170px|thumb|Sophie at the Titanic Hotel in [[Belfast]] in 2018]]
An avid supporter of charities that deal with learning disabilities, Sophie made a solo trip to [[Belfast]] in January 2018 to visit a number of charities that she had supported through her work over the last decade, including [[Mencap]]'s children's centre.<ref name="NI-18">{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/utv/2018-01-23/sophie-countess-of-wessex-visits-ni-charities/|title=Sophie, Countess of Wessex visits NI charities|publisher=ITV|date=23 January 2018|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031314/http://www.itv.com/news/utv/2018-01-23/sophie-countess-of-wessex-visits-ni-charities/|url-status=live}}</ref> She also opened the new dementia-friendly unit of Northern Ireland Hospice, the first of its kind in the UK.<ref name="NI-18"/> The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Sri Lanka in February 2018 to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Independence, [[Sri Lanka–United Kingdom relations]], the Commonwealth, education and young people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-wessex-commemorate-sri-lankas-70th-anniversary-independence|title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex commemorate Sri Lanka's 70th Anniversary of Independence|date=7 February 2018|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207143222/https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-wessex-commemorate-sri-lankas-70th-anniversary-independence|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, Edward and Sophie toured the [[Baltic states]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.err.ee/867417/kaljulaid-uk-has-been-estonia-s-ally-for-100-years|title=Kaljulaid: UK has been Estonia's ally for 100 years|publisher=ERR News|date=8 October 2018|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008115436/https://news.err.ee/867417/kaljulaid-uk-has-been-estonia-s-ally-for-100-years|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-visit-baltics|title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit the Baltic States|date=5 October 2018|publisher=The Royal Family|access-date=13 October 2018|archive-date=14 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014010209/https://www.royal.uk/royal-visit-baltics|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2019, the Countess travelled to New York City to attend the 63rd session of the [[United Nations Commission on the Status of Women]] (CSW). The annual event brought together more than 9,000 gender equality representatives from around the world. The CSW is "the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-attends-commission-status-women-un|title=The Countess of Wessex attends the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN|date=13 March 2019|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=13 March 2019|archive-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321093439/https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-attends-commission-status-women-un|url-status=live}}</ref> From 29 April to 3 May 2019, the Countess, Vice-Patron of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, visited India in her final overseas tour as vice-patron ahead of the Trust's planned closure in January 2020. Sophie saw the work the charitable foundation has supported to tackle avoidable blindness and heard about programmes successfully launched by Queen's Young Leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-will-visit-india|title=The Countess of Wessex will visit India|date=23 April 2019|publisher=royal.co.uk|access-date=23 April 2019|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423111941/https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-will-visit-india|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2019, the Earl and Countess visited [[Forfar]] on their first official visit to the town since the Queen granted the Earl the additional title [[Earl of Forfar]] in March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-forfar-visit-forfar|title=The Earl and Countess of Forfar visit Forfar|date=July 2019|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=1 July 2019|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104134723/https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-forfar-visit-forfar|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in October, Sophie visited Kosovo to meet victims of sexual violence after the [[Kosovo War]] and their families.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/2019101779304/sophie-wessex-pink-emilia-wickstead-dress-kosovo/|title=The Countess of Wessex looks like a film star in a pink Emilia Wickstead dress|magazine=Hello!|first=Laura|last=Sutcliffe|date=17 October 2019|access-date=17 October 2019|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018013551/https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/2019101779304/sophie-wessex-pink-emilia-wickstead-dress-kosovo/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of 2019, Sophie had completed 236 official engagements.<ref name="Meares-Mar22"/> In March 2020, Sophie became the first member of the royal family to visit South Sudan. During the visit, which was requested by the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]], Sophie met victims and survivors of gender-based violence and promoted their rights by meeting the female political leaders in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/countess-of-wessex-to-promote-womens-rights-during-trip-to-south-sudan/ar-BB10HgzM|title=Countess of Wessex to promote women's rights during trip to South Sudan|publisher=MSN|date=4 March 2020|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807090050/https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/countess-of-wessex-to-promote-womens-rights-during-trip-to-south-sudan/ar-BB10HgzM|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2022, the Countess went on a solo visit to Qatar in her capacity as the global ambassador for the [[International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness]] (IAPB) to support the organisation's '2030 in Sight' initiative and visit projects by the Qatar Fund and [[Orbis International]] aimed at improving eye tests and treatments in India and Bangladesh.<ref name="Qatar-2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/20220111130542/countess-sophie-wessex-wears-bold-dress-qatar/|title=The Countess of Wessex wears a truly sensational dress in Qatar|work=Hello!|first=Laura|last=Sutcliffe|date=11 January 2022|access-date=13 January 2022|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113000834/https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/20220111130542/countess-sophie-wessex-wears-bold-dress-qatar/|url-status=live}}</ref> As a supporter of the [[Women Peace and Security Network]] she met with Afghan women refugees who had been evacuated from the country following the [[2021 Taliban offensive]].<ref name="Qatar-2022"/> In March 2022, Sophie went on a four-day solo trip to New York City, visiting the [[Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden]] and Consuls General from across the Commonwealth to mark the [[Commonwealth Day]].<ref name="NYC-Mar22">{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/sophie-countess-wessex-arrives-new-york-city/|title=Royal in the States! Sophie, Countess of Wessex Arrives in New York City for 4-Day Visit|work=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=14 March 2022|access-date=15 March 2022|archive-date=14 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314214851/https://people.com/royals/sophie-countess-wessex-arrives-new-york-city/|url-status=live}}</ref> She also delivered the keynote address on [[women's rights in Afghanistan]] at an event hosted by the [[UN Women]] and the [[Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security]].<ref name="NYC-Mar22"/>

In April 2022, Edward and Sophie toured Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda to mark the [[Queen's Platinum Jubilee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/04/23/earl-countess-wessex-met-protests-second-leg-caribbean-tour/|title=Earl and Countess of Wessex met by protests on second leg of Caribbean tour|work=The Telegraph|first=Patrick|last=Sawer|date=23 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022|url-access=subscription|archive-date=23 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423205512/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/04/23/earl-countess-wessex-met-protests-second-leg-caribbean-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref> Their planned visit to Grenada was postponed after talks with the island's government and governor general, and the couple expressed their hopes to visit the country on a later date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61183853|title=Earl and Countess of Wessex: Prince Edward and Sophie postpone Grenada trip|work=BBC|first=Charley|last=Adams|date=22 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909170950/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61183853|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2022, she visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo to engage with projects preventing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, becoming the first member of the royal family to visit the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/10/03/sophie-countess-wessex-becomes-first-royal-visit-democratic/|title=Sophie, Countess of Wessex becomes first Royal to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo|work=The Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=3 October 2022|access-date=4 October 2022|url-access=subscription|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004034159/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/10/03/sophie-countess-wessex-becomes-first-royal-visit-democratic/|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour also included visits to Rwanda, Botswana, and Malawi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-visits-democratic-republic-congo|title=The Countess of Wessex visits the Democratic Republic of the Congo|work=The Royal Family|date=4 October 2022|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011160819/https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-visits-democratic-republic-congo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-visits-botswana-and-malawi|title=The Countess of Wessex visits Botswana and Malawi|work=The Royal Family|date=11 October 2022|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011160730/https://www.royal.uk/countess-wessex-visits-botswana-and-malawi|url-status=live}}</ref> After her husband was created [[Duke of Edinburgh]] on his 59th birthday, Sophie and Edward visited Edinburgh to meet with members of the Ukrainian and Eastern European communities in the city, some of whom were displaced following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-edward-sophie-visit-scotland-duke-duchess-edinburgh-new-royal-titles/|title=Prince Edward and Sophie Step Out in Scotland as the New Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh|work=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=10 March 2023|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927133819/https://people.com/royals/prince-edward-sophie-visit-scotland-duke-duchess-edinburgh-new-royal-titles/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2023, Sophie visited Iraq at the request of the Foreign Office to promote the Women, Peace and Security agenda and raise awareness about conflict-related sexual violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/05/23/duchess-of-edinburgh-iraq-baghdad-conflict-sexual-violence/|title=Duchess of Edinburgh visits Iraq to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence|work=The Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=23 May 2023|accessdate=23 May 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523135900/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/05/23/duchess-of-edinburgh-iraq-baghdad-conflict-sexual-violence/|url-status=live}}</ref> She became the first member of the royal family to visit [[Baghdad]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65684842|title=Duchess of Edinburgh becomes first royal to visit Baghdad in Iraq|work=BBC News|first=Rachel|last=Russell|date=23 May 2023|accessdate=23 May 2023|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523173223/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65684842|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 April 2024, the Duchess visited [[Ukraine]], the first British royal to make the trip since the Russian invasion, where she met with President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyi]]. Sophie also met with survivors of war-related sexual violence and torture as well as children who had been returned to Ukraine after being [[Child abductions in the Russo-Ukrainian War|abducted from their families]] by Russia. She also paid her respects to victims of the [[Bucha massacre|massacre]] in [[Bucha, Ukraine|Bucha]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Duchess Sophie visits Ukraine in first trip by British royal since start of war |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/duchess-sophie-visits-ukraine-first-trip-by-british-royal-since-start-war-2024-04-29/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=Reuters |date=29 April 2024}}</ref> In October 2024, she became the first member of the royal family to visit Chad where she met with refugees who had fled to the country following the [[Sudanese civil war (2023–present)|Sudanese civil war]] and had experienced sexual violence during the conflict.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/sophie-duchess-of-edinburgh-in-tears-after-meeting-sexual-violence-victims-who-fled-sudan-civil-war-13233466|title=Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in tears after meeting sexual violence victims who fled Sudan civil war|work=Sky News|date=14 October 2024|access-date=17 October 2024}}</ref>