On April 15, 2026, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan during a roundtable held at the London offices of Plan International UK. This gathering coincided with the third anniversary of the outbreak of conflict in the country. As the Royal Patron of Plan International UK, the Duchess engaged with activists, humanitarian leaders, and representatives from the British government as they discussed the dire situation in Sudan.
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During her remarks, the Duchess expressed deep concern about the extensive human toll resulting from the war, stating, “After three years of conflict, Sudan is reaping the most horrendous human cost on the planet.” Sophie reflected on her experiences speaking with women affected by conflicts worldwide, describing the stories from Sudan as some of the most disturbing she has ever encountered. “No human should ever have to encounter such devastation and violence,” she emphasised.
The Duchess urged continued attention towards the crisis, asserting, “We must not forget about Sudan and I will keep raising my voice where and when I can.” This call to action comes as reports estimate that over 150,000 people have lost their lives since the civil war erupted in April 2023. Additionally, about 14 million individuals have been displaced, highlighting Sudan as the largest humanitarian crisis currently faced globally.
The roundtable aimed to amplify the voices of Sudanese citizens, particularly focusing on the disproportionate impact the conflict has had on girls and women. Attendees shared harrowing first-hand accounts of the challenges they have faced, including disruption of education and increased risks of violence and displacement. The Duchess has made it a priority in her royal duties to advocate for issues affecting women and girls in conflict zones.
In 2024, the Duchess visited the Chad-Sudan border, seeking to understand the realities on the ground by witnessing the profound impact of the conflict first-hand. Earlier this year, she wrote an essay for The Telegraph marking the unsettling milestone of 1,000 days of ongoing violence in Sudan.
Throughout the event, the Duchess participated in a discussion with youth, encouraging them to express their hopes for the future of Sudan. Attendees were invited to write their thoughts of optimism on a symbolic “reflection tree.” The Duchess contributed her own message, underlining the need for peace: “Peace is the only option. The people of Sudan are not forgotten.”
According to data from Plan International UK, more than 30 million people, including 17 million children, are currently in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, representing the highest demand for aid worldwide. Of these, over 21 million individuals are facing extreme hunger, while an alarming 12 million are at risk of gender-based violence amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Sophie has championed various causes since becoming the royal patron of Plan International UK in 2024, following in the footsteps of her late father-in-law, Prince Philip. As a full-time working royal, she is also an advocate for the United Nations’ Women, Peace and Security Agenda, as well as the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.
The Duchess’s commitment to advocating for peace and humanitarian relief in Sudan underlines the continual impact that conflict has on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. As the anniversary of the war is marked, Sophie’s voice serves as a reminder of the need for international attention and action, urging audiences not to overlook the plight of those suffering in the face of ongoing violence.