Duchess of Edinburgh becomes first royal to visit war-torn Ukraine since conflict began two years ago

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become the first royal to visit war-torn Ukraine since the conflict began two years ago.

Sophie, 59, is visiting Ukraine at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The mother-of-two will demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war, according to Buckingham Palace.

The trip also marks a continuation of Sophie's work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

Duchess of Edinburgh

The duchess announced her commitment to champion the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and the UN’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) on International Women’s Day in 2019.

The 59-year-old has visited several countries over the years to highlight the impact of historical and ongoing conflict.

These include Kosovo, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia.

Sophie has heard many first-hand testimonies from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence

Duchess of Edinburgh

The duchess met the President and First Lady of Ukraine on Monday morning and delivered a message to them on behalf of King Charles.

The monarch is currently battling cancer and paused all public-facing duties two months ago.

However, the King is making a return to royal duties tomorrow.

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.

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"This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead."

The statement continued: "In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.

"As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year."