More details have emerged from the Duchess of Edinburgh’s secret trip to Iraq.
Sophie, 58, was asked by the Office for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development this week to visit the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Buckingham Palace said.
The unannounced trip was kept secret for security reasons.
This was in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) and to continue the Duchess’ work to advocate for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
She spent two days in the capital, Baghdad, where she heard about the challenges Iraqi women and girls face and the ongoing work to protect and promote their rights.
Pictures of Prince Edward’s wife show her sitting on the floor in a white linen dress with children at Qadia camp in Duhok
The Duchess then traveled to Erbil, where she spoke with civil society organizations working to counter the impact of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and to promote the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes.
During her stay in Erbil, the Duchess heard about the experience of a Yazidi survivor being separated from her raped children and her efforts to be reunited with them.
Sophie was received by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Masrour Barzani.
She wore a long-sleeved white dress with a black polka dot print and pink and red roses with pearl detailing while listening intently to Barzani.
She also met Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and visited the Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
This is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose aim is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in the fields of education, arts, science and culture.
On this visit, Sophie wore a sapphire blue short-sleeved dress, which she paired with a brown belt and a patterned bag.
In another snap from inside the camp, she holds a rolling pin while being taught how to bake a dish
During a visit to the Erbil Citadel, Sophie wore a sapphire blue short-sleeved dress, which she paired with a brown belt and a patterned bag
She spent time with Yazidi survivors of conflict-related sexual violence at Qadia camp in Duhok, home to over 13,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The survivors spoke to the Duchess about the difficulties and stigma they face.
She witnessed the skills that survivors and other internally displaced people in the camp can use to support their families and find employment, supported by the United Nations International Organization for Migration.
During her stay in Duhok, the Duchess also met female Shabak and Turkmen survivors of CRSV.
Pictures of Prince Edward’s wife show her sitting on the floor in a white linen dress with children at Qadia camp in Duhok.
In another snap from inside the camp, she holds a rolling pin while being taught how to bake a dish.
The Duchess was also photographed listening intently to a staffer from the International Organization for Migration outside the camp, wearing sunglasses.
Wearing a long-sleeved white dress with a black polka dot pattern, she was pictured listening intently to Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masrour Barzani
The Duchess was also photographed listening intently to a staffer from the International Organization for Migration outside the camp, wearing sunglasses
It was reported Tuesday that Sophie attended an all-girls high school and spoke to students and teachers about the education of young women in the country and their hopes for the future.
As part of her surprise visit, she also toured a family planning center where she heard about the work to support the reproductive health and well-being of Iraqi women.
She also met with women business leaders to discuss the importance of women’s economic empowerment.
During her time in Baghdad, Duchess Sophie also delivered a message from the King to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and the First Lady as part of a special audience.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to most provinces in Iraq amid the threat of violent protests in and around the International Zone in Baghdad.
Charles traveled to the country as Prince of Wales in 2004 while visiting military personnel in Basra during the Iraq War.
In 2006, at the age of 85, Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, made a surprise trip to visit British troops in Basra.
