Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is currently engaged in a five-day royal tour of Zambia, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and the southern African nation. The trip commenced on September 14, 2026, but Sophie faced an unforeseen challenge right at the outset when her luggage failed to arrive in time, a relatable predicament for many travellers.
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Despite this hiccup, the 61-year-old royal maintained her schedule, attending an event showcasing traditional Zambian dance performances at the British High Commission while still dressed in her travel attire. It was a true testament to her resilience and commitment to her role. Once her luggage situation was resolved later in the day, she was able to change into a more suitable outfit for a subsequent engagement, meeting with women leaders in business, as well as survivors of gender-based violence, and representatives from eye-care charities.
The following day, Sophie visited Jewel of Africa, a family-operated jewellery business in Lusaka. The establishment prides itself on ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that materials are procured in a responsible manner directly from Zambian mines. During her visit, the Duchess enthusiastically participated in the crafting process, getting a hands-on experience in shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone, showcasing her willingness to engage deeply with local customs and practices.
On September 15, Sophie paid a visit to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema in their Lusaka residence. During her visit, she took a moment to admire the zebras grazing in their garden, light-heartedly referring to them as “good lawnmowers.” President Hichilema humorously concurred, adding that they also serve as “good fertilisers.” As a gesture of appreciation for their hospitality, Sophie presented the presidential couple with honey sourced from the royal beehives at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Bagshot Park.
A significant portion of the Duchess’s itinerary is dedicated to advocating for causes she holds dear, particularly in the realm of eye health. During one of her engagements, she addressed a gathering of healthcare professionals and charitable organisations dedicated to vision care, including the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and Orbis. Sophie emphasised the critical impact of vision health on education and overall quality of life, particularly for children. “If a child can’t see, they drop out of school,” she articulated. “Eye health is a fundamental necessity that often determines life opportunities.”
In her candid discussions with the audience, Sophie reflected on the profound implications of poor vision, citing experiences with individuals who felt compelled to live on the streets due to their inability to contribute to their families. “I used to say that eye health was life-threatening, and I still believe it is,” she asserted, placing a strong emphasis on the need for accessible eye care services for all.
While Sophie and her husband, Prince Edward, continue to serve as prominent figures within the royal family, attention has also turned to their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex. Recently graduated from the University of St. Andrews, Lady Louise, aged 22, is planning a gap year before exploring future career avenues. Meanwhile, James is preparing to begin his studies at the Royal Agricultural University this autumn, focusing on Rural Land & Property Management.
Neither Lady Louise nor James has opted to adopt royal titles or the traditional His/Her Royal Highness styles, a choice that Buckingham Palace has confirmed reflects their parents’ views. Edward and Sophie have allowed their children to make their own decisions regarding titles upon reaching adulthood, with both children appearing disinclined to adopt the formal titles.
In an interview with The Sunday Times in 2020, Sophie articulated her reasoning behind this decision, highlighting the importance of instilling a sense of practicality in their upbringing. “We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles,” she explained, indicating a preference for a more grounded approach to royal life.
Sophie’s ongoing tour of Zambia not only showcases her commitment to her royal duties but also highlights her advocacy for critical social issues. As she pursues her engagements, the Duchess combines diplomacy with a heartfelt devotion to causes that resonate with her personally, solidifying her role as a compassionate representative of the royal family.