Duchess Sophie issued a powerful four-word statement yesterday as she visited the UK’s first exhibition focusing on the struggles of victims of sexual violence in conflict. The Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, stepped out in a pale pink dress at the Imperial War Museum in London to look around the Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict exhibition.

As part of her visit, Sophie learnt about stories of sexual violence in conflict that date as far back as the First World War. The duchess was seen looking carefully at displays in the exhibition, which will run until November 2.

Prince Edward’s wife was also heard making a powerful statement at the event as she said: “We must do better.”

As reported by The Daily Mail, the duchess showed great interest in the exhibition and asked about whether survivors were consulted on the exhibition – which she was assured they were.

Sophie could be heard saying: “This is about them, their voice matters.”

She was also seen looking shocked at some of the displays, including a drawing by Sudanese children showing the sexual violence they had seen their mothers, sisters and grandmothers subjected to.

The royal, who looked shocked and saddened at what she saw, has spent years meeting hundreds of female survivors around the world who have experienced violence during conflict.

Her aim is to raise awareness of the issue in a bid to ensure more support is available for survivors.

Just last year, the Duchess of Edinburgh went to Ukraine to speak with victims of wartime sexual violence.

She told The Sunday Times after the trip: “This was not my first time in a conflict zone. I have travelled to countries affected by war including South Sudan, Kosovo, Iraq, Colombia, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the hope that I can help draw attention to and encourage greater support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.”