Duchess Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, embarked on a significant overseas trip to Somalia to commemorate International Women's Day, amid concerns surrounding the Royal Family due to Prince Edward's recent decision to pull out from a major event. This trip reflects the ongoing commitment of the Royal Family to engage with pressing global issues, particularly those affecting women.

During her two-day visit to Mogadishu, Sophie focused on critical issues such as women's roles in peacebuilding and addressing sexual and gender-based violence. She took the opportunity to meet with female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, showcasing her dedication to raising awareness about these vital topics. The Duchess's engagements aimed not only to highlight the horrific impact of war on women but also to emphasize the essential role that women can play in fostering peace and rebuilding communities.

This overseas engagement comes at a time when the Royal Family is trying to manage the public and media fallout related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's recent legal troubles. The contrasting visibility of Sophie’s humanitarian efforts abroad with the turmoil surrounding the family at home may serve to restore some positive attention towards the Royal Family's charitable work, especially in the context of women’s rights and empowerment in regions affected by conflict.