The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited women’s organisations in Colombia as she begins a visit to the country to support those impacted by armed conflict.

Her Royal Highness arrived in Bogota on November 28th 2023 where her first engagement was an audience with the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Marquez.

One of the main focuses of the visit is support for women who have survived conflict-related sexual violence. The Duchess of Edinburgh met some of those who have been impacted at an event held at the Centre for Memory, Peace and Reconciliation.

They also viewed a special art exhibition called ”Spinning with patience to weave hopes for peace”.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has spent several years focusing on the ongoing work to support those who have been impacted by sexual violence in conflict. Her latest visit comes at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Sophie later attended a roundtable discussion, hosted by the UK and Canadian embassies, about the WPS Agenda. She met women from the Colombian Armed Forces to hear about their won on the agenda.

The Duchess also travelled to Cali to meet women’s organisations working in the local Pacific region.

The royal visit to Colombia will continue until December 1st 2023.