Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh, amidst the Omid Scobie storm in the UK, remained undeterred as she embarked on an extraordinary tour of South America.
Unfazed by the claims made about her in Omid Scobie’s revelatory book, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, concluded a visit to Columbia.
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The Duchess was invited to join this trip at the behest of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, with scheduled engagements in Bogotá and Cali.
These engagements were in support of the United Nations Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS).
During her stay in Bogotá, Sophie met with Vice President Francia Marquez and later visited the Centre for Memory, Peace, and Reconciliation, where she had the opportunity to meet women affected by conflict-related s**ual violence.
In Cali, the Duchess immersed herself in the local culture and traditions of the Pacific region, which have been deeply influenced by armed conflict.
As a patron of the Central School of Ballet, Sophie participated in dance activities and attended a workshop organized by the British Council at La Licorera, the city’s cultural center for dance and choreography.
It was an enriching experience for the Duchess, especially considering her involvement with the Central School of Ballet.
During her visit, Sophie had the privilege of witnessing a fashion showcase featuring designers who were survivors of armed conflict.
This event highlighted the resilience and creativity of those impacted by such circumstances.
The Duchess actively engaged with guests, addressing various issues concerning women, peace, security, conflict resolution, and the protection of Colombia’s biodiversity.
While Sophie’s international visit unfolded far from the ongoing storm in the UK following the release of Omid Scobie’s bombshell book, she and her husband, Prince Edward, were accused of displaying bigotry in relation to an interview where they were asked about Oprah Winfrey.
In response, the couple had casually remarked, “Oprah who?”
Sophie clarified that during the interview, she and Edward were asked for their opinions on Oprah, but they chose not to mention her name due to the sensitivity surrounding the topic.
Duchess Sophie’s South American tour showcased her dedication and commitment to her royal duties, despite the distractions and controversies back home.