LONDON – The Duchess of Edinburgh stole the spotlight on Monday with her signature quiet confidence and autumnal style at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She attended an event marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, honouring women shaping peace efforts worldwide.
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UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted Sophie’s advocacy in her speech, saying, “And can I particularly welcome the Duchess of Edinburgh and to say thank you to you for being here today, but also for her powerful work that you have been doing across the world, shining a light on the experiences of women in some of the most challenging circumstances. Thank you.”
The Duchess has long championed the Women, Peace and Security agenda, combining compassion with consistent royal advocacy. Fresh from an intensive tour of South and Central America, Sophie has returned to her global work without pause. Her recent journey took her to Peru, Panama, Guatemala, and Belize at the request of the Foreign Office.
✨Our beautiful #SuperSophie yesterday!
Back to the UK, The Duchess of Edinburgh yesterday attended the 25th anniversary of the Women Peace and Security agenda ❤️
Foreign and Commonwealth Office pic.twitter.com/xZRA86fhcA
— Mariana – The Edinburghs Fan Account (@Mari_Edinburghs) November 25, 2025
In Guatemala, she visited La Alianza Guatemala (ALA), a non-profit protecting vulnerable children and teenagers affected by trafficking, sexual violence, forced migration, and early pregnancy. She also met with leading Guatemalan women to discuss the nation’s evolving female leadership landscape.
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Sophie’s dedication extends to the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), through which she has raised awareness about atrocities faced by women in war zones.
On Tuesday, the Duchess hosted a dinner at St James’s Palace to mark the launch of the global “16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence” campaign, reinforcing her commitment to gender equality and the protection of women worldwide.