Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has made a sweet nod to King Charles in a brand new video message where she discussed sexual violence related to the conflict in Ukraine. Sophie had been invited by the First Lady of Ukraine, Mrs Olen Zelenska to speak about at the Restoration of the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivor’s Rights Conference.
In a video message sent to the conference in Kyiv Sophie referenced words spoken by the King.
She said: “His Majesty the King, recently said, ‘Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates so closely’. Your Excellency The First Lady, all survivors, and the women and men helping to end conflict and build peace here in Ukraine, I am full of admiration for you all.
“Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so bravely about their experiences. They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime.”
Sophie added: “We must never forget the survivors. Rather, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn’t an accepted part of conflict.”
Sophie’s message to the conference in Ukraine comes as other senior royals step up while King Charles receives treatment for cancer, Queen Camilla goes on holiday, and Princess Kate recovers from abdominal surgery.
As a result, Sophie and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, are taking up more active roles and more royal duties alongside Princess Anne. Later this month, Prince Edward is due to visit the ballet and a boxing club alongside a trip to Stafford and as far north as Leeds.
As well as conducting solo engagements, Prince Edward will be joined by his wife Sophie on March 8. They will attend a ballet rehearsal and a performance of Romeo and Juliet at the Leeds Grand Theatre.
The pair will also be present at the Community Sports Awards at Headingley Stadium in Leeds whilst King Charles continues his cancer treatment.
Supporting King Charles through this difficult time is Queen Camilla who has taken a break from royal duties. One royal expert has said the Queen will be at home with the King.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, royal author Tom Quinn said the pair could also enjoy their shared passion for gardening whilst they rest.
He explained: “She is taking the time off so that she can spend time reading to Charles and pottering in the garden with him – being busy with her husband, in other words.”
On why the Queen is taking a break, Mr Quinn said: “Camilla is taking a break largely because of the stress caused by King Charles’ cancer, but also because he wants to see more of her, and he doesn’t want her away from him while he is undergoing treatment.”
Despite receiving treatment for cancer, the King is continuing to carry out some royal duties. Instead of attending the Commonwealth Day Service on March 11, the King will release a video message.
Royal sources have said the King wants to thank all those around the Commonwealth who have sent well wishes to him since his diagnosis.
Speaking about the Commonwealth at last year’s service he said: “The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.
“Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.”
