Duchess Sophie's Humble Visit to Ukraine Amidst Conflict

Duchess Sophie Doesnt Consider Ukraine Trip Courageous

Duchess Sophie ANATOLII STEPANOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Duchess Sophie may be the first royal to visit Ukraine since the war with Russia began, but she doesn't believe she deserves any special recognition.

In a diary entry for The Sunday Times on May 26, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, shared, "Since returning to the UK, many people have commended me for being brave or courageous for going. However, I do not see myself as either. The true heroes are those who have faced extreme violence and managed to survive."

Sophie traveled secretly around the country in April. She visited the first family of Ukraine, explored the suburbs of Kyiv where a Russian advance was stopped, and met with survivors of wartime sexual assault. The impact on these survivors has led Sophie to visit numerous warzones over the years.

“This wasn't my first time in a conflict zone. I have been to countries affected by war such as South Sudan, Kosovo, Iraq, Colombia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. My goal is to bring attention to and advocate for greater support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence,” she explained.

Sophie revealed that in Ukraine, 169 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been reported since February 2022. She emphasized that these numbers are likely just the beginning, as many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear. Sophie described sexual violence as a weapon that requires no training or investment and is used worldwide.

Duchess Sophie Doesnt Consider Ukraine Trip Courageous

Duchess Sophie Anatolii Stepanov - Pool/Getty Images

She expressed in her diary her hope for a shift in attitudes towards sexual violence during war, believing that it could encourage more individuals to speak out and seek the necessary support.

Reports of women falling victim to advancing and occupying armies throughout history still occur in modern warfare. In the past, this was often seen as an unfortunate consequence of war rather than a deliberate strategy. However, there is now a growing awareness of these atrocities, with society recognizing that they are used to degrade, harm, and manipulate individuals.

Sophie, who served as a representative of the Crown in a war-torn area, prefers not to receive any accolades for her actions. She believes that the focus should be on providing support and resources for the survivors of such horrific crimes.

"The courageous are those who have reported the crimes committed against them," she expressed. Looking at the world filled with various crises, she hopes that more attention will be given to establishing well-funded support systems for survivors in conflict areas.

Sophie has taken on a more prominent role within the royal family following recent health concerns for King Charles III and Princess Kate Middleton. Embracing her new responsibilities, she has quickly adapted, reminiscent of Princess Diana's role as a humanitarian ambassador. Alongside her husband, Prince Edward, Sophie recently represented the royals on Anzac Day in place of Charles and Queen Camilla.

Afua Hagan, a Royal Commentator, mentioned in April that Sophie has become the "royal family's secret weapon" during this challenging time.

Hagan explained, "She is dedicated to her work, connects well with people during her engagements, and also undertakes many unseen tasks behind the scenes." Additionally, Prince Edward is also beginning to make his own mark in public appearances.

Editor's P/S:

Sophie's visit to Ukraine and her ongoing advocacy for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her account of the horrors she