Duchess Sophie meets 'victims' as she secretly visits Somalia after Andrew arrest

Duchess Sophie has secretly visited Somalia where the Duchess of Edinburgh met women and girls organisations and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

According to a report by the Government UK, the Duchess made two-day visit to Mogadishu from 23 to 24th February ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March).

In Mogadishu, Sophie was hosted at Villa Somalia by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for an introductory call during which they discussed the crucial role women play in peacebuilding, strengthening community resilience and ensuring accountability for sexual and gender-based violence.

The Duchess welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan and encouraged its sustained implementation to improve conditions on the ground.

During the visit, the Duchess met Somali women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

In a meeting at Uganda House, Villa Somalia, she and first daughter Jihan Abdullahi Hassan heard from victims of gender and sexual based violence, reinforcing the importance of the UK-Somalia security partnership.

The Duchess also visited a Somali village in Lower Shabelle where the wives of Somali soldiers explained the dangers posed and the challenges they face while their husbands fight for a more secure and stable Somalia.

Sophie left the UK following Andrew arrest on February 19.

The palace, on behalf of King Charles, said “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”