Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has made a significant trip abroad that will go down in history.
Just a few days ago, the Duchess, accompanied by her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited the island of Malta to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence, celebrating the shared heritage of Malta and the United Kingdom, as well as their continued collaboration.
Now, however, Sophie set course for Africa and made the most remarkable trip by arriving in Chad.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in Chad
The Duchess of Edinburgh made history by becoming the first member of the British royal family to make an official visit to the African country.
Her three-day trip had a clear focus: to draw attention to the devastating impact of the conflict in Sudan and its impact on women and girls in the region.
The visit was organized at the request of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
During her three-day stay, Sophie met with refugee women who have suffered sexual violence and other atrocities in the context of a brutal war.
The stories of these women, who are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, proved to be particularly moving and heartbreaking.
Why Was Sophie of Edinburgh Crying in Chad?
In an emotional moment, the Duchess was visibly affected. With tears in her eyes, she expressed her anguish at hearing accounts of extreme violence, where women were raped in exchange for food and water, and some have even been killed trying to procure these basic resources.
Sophie shared her concern for the safety of women and children, who often do not have the option of fleeing due to the ferocity of the violence in their communities.
“I daren’t even describe to you what they’ve been doing to children. It’s not just about the sexual violence, which is horrific because they’re having to exchange food and water for sex, and if they don’t they kill them.”
“These women have no option but to leave. And even then they’re lucky.
“If they can get away, because some of the villages and towns that they come from, they can’t even leave their houses any more. If they leave their houses they get killed.”
“It really worried me. Because I haven’t shared with you some of what they told me in there, which was why I was quite wobbly when I came in.
“I can’t share – I don’t think you would even want to print it in your publications, to be honest with you. But what they do to the children is… I can’t even use the words. So I can only assume that they are young.
“That little girl that we were talking to – now that I’ve spoken to them [the women] I worry what she has either encountered or what she has witnessed.
“Because what they have all witnessed is complete atrocity.”
Her visit not only served to raise awareness of the atrocities faced by thousands of women but also to highlight the importance of humanitarian initiatives in the region.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, a mother of two, made it clear that it is vital to continue to support those women who have been victims of violence and whose lives have been disrupted by war.
Through her trip, Sophie has shed light on the harsh reality facing Chad and has helped put the urgent needs of these communities on the map.
Sophie’s trip to Chad is not only a milestone in her life as a member of the royal family but also a valuable reminder of the need for action in the face of the world’s humanitarian crisis.