Duchess of Edinburgh appreciation thread

[readingmakesmehappy]

I have so much admiration for what Sophie does. Those pics of her meeting women in Chad are so moving. She uses her profile to bring attention to the women and girls who need it most. I couldn't see a recent thread on her work, so sorry if there's been one before.

She was quite obviously moved and tearful after hearing the shattering stories of the refugees she spent time with.

I wish people who quietly get on with the job got more column inches for their causes. Probably a reflection on the audience, sadly.

There's a very good write up on the BBC website. I wish it was the front page.

The work she does in this area is so important and it really needs a lot more air time.

I also have a lot of respect for her.

Duchess shocked by sexual exploitation of refugees in Sudan - BBC News

Should have included this above.

Yes, she undertakes trips that must be quite demanding, both physically and emotionally, at an age when many people are looking forward to retirement. And the focus is on the people she has come to meet and their experiences, never on her.

I so agree with everything already said. The work she does is absolutely what the Royal Family is "for".

Her work on FGM, VAWG and against rape as a tool of war is wholly admirable

The difference from the days when her ‘half in half out’ failed in the enormous scandal of the fake sheikh cash-for-access is simply huge. Reputation in tatters to national treasure!

This is what really stands out for me. She never makes it about her.

I was about to start a similar thread myself but couldn't face the usuals 'forelock tugging' sniping.
I thought the images from her visit yesterday were so moving. She is doing a great job, certainly of late, highlighting some huge and serious issues that affect women.

Thank you for starting this thread. Earlier today I read BBC text - just a few paragraphs. It said she'd been moved to tears by the stories.

I know this doesn't make her a good person, but she sure can get her knees fairly low when sitting on the floor, and yes, I do envy that.

She and Camilla are both really committed to supporting victims of sexual assault, which I admire so much. I remember reading a profile of Sophie which said the charities like working with her because she really puts the work in.
Princess Anne is actually similar isn't she? The Royal women do all the best work

She is doing a great job.

She was on the front page of The Times today. So lovely to see the work she is doing getting recognition for the charities she is highlighting.

She’s genuinely doing good and I really admire her. Camilla also champions some really good causes. Neither of them get enough media coverage.

I admire her too. Not just for her charitable work, which actually might achieve something if only to properly raise awareness, but for her parenting. She and the Duke of E have apparently raised 2 kids to almost adulthood largely away from the spotlight and are letting them decide what role, if any, they want to play in the RF.

Also she's older than me but dresses much better, she always looks great!

I agree. Sophie is doing excellent work, highlighting these issues. She makes it about the charity and the people, never herself.

Such a shame Sophie has been overshadowed for so many years by other royals, she's done an awful lot of work for blind charities and has volunteered for the NHS. That said I get the impression Edward and Sophie wanted their privacy after all bad press coverage when they first got married in respect of their media careers, which is peraphs why they kept out of the media spotlight. Maybe, now their children are effectively adults (their son is at 6th form I believe) they are willing to put themselves back out in the public eye.

Thanks for the thread @readingmakesmehappy

I think she's great and really wish the important work she's doing would get more coverage. She's going to places that other royals don't and is trying to highlight things that matter globally. Total respect for how she and Edward turned things around after a bit of a shaky start and I'm very glad they got the Edinburgh title, to help elevate attention on their causes as much as anything.