Duchess Sophie's powerful 4-word statement leaves royal fans moved

The Duchess of Edinburgh made an emotional comment at a London event

Senior online reporter

June 6, 2025Jun 6, 2025, 10:09 AM GMT+1

Duchess Sophie made a rare public appearance on Wednesday. The 60-year-old royal visited the Imperial War Museum in London.

The Duchess of Edinburgh toured Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict. It is the UK’s first exhibition focused on the experiences of victims of sexual violence in war.

Her powerful 4-word message

The Duchess of Edinburgh walking in pale pink dress — The Duchess of Edinburgh arrives for a visit to the 'Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict' Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London

During the visit, Sophie made a striking comment. She said: "We must do better."

The moment was captured by attendees. It left a lasting impression on visitors and royal watchers. Fans took to social media to express their support. Many praised Sophie for highlighting such a difficult issue.

Her statement has been described as powerful and direct. Others said it summed up the urgent need for change.

She connects with survivors

The Duchess of Edinburgh in pale pink with woman walking — The Duchess of Edinburgh (left) arrives for a visit to the 'Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict' Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London

Sophie asked several questions during the event. She showed particular interest in how the exhibition was created. According to The Daily Mail, Sophie asked if survivors had been involved in shaping the project. She was told they had.

Sophie responded: "This is about them, their voice matters."

She was seen spending time with the exhibits. These included drawings by Sudanese children, which depicted scenes of violence against their mothers and relatives. Sophie appeared visibly moved. At times, she looked shocked.

Her ongoing commitment

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh shoulders up in blue dress — Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's statement has been described as powerful and direct

This visit is not a one-off for the duchess. Sophie has been working on this issue for several years. She has travelled widely to meet survivors of wartime sexual violence. Her aim is to raise awareness and improve access to support.

Just last year, Sophie visited Ukraine. She met women who had suffered during the ongoing conflict. She later spoke about the experience in The Sunday Times.

Sophie's words after visiting Ukraine

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in blue with men in uniform — Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied by Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Major-General Nick Cowley, represents King Charles III as the Reviewing Officer during The Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

She said: "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."

The duchess added that hearing directly from victims matters. She believes their stories must be heard. Her visit to Unsilenced shows she is still committed to the issue. It is a cause she has personally invested in for many years.

Duchess Sophie: 5 top facts

1. PR girl

Sophie built a successful career before marrying Prince Edward. She worked for Capitol Radio and later launched her own public relations agency, RJH Public Relations, which she ran with her business partner for five years.

2. Dog lover

Sophie is a well-known dog lover and is the patron of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. In January 2025, she visited the organisation's training centre and had adorable puppy cuddles with a nine-week-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.

3. Bahamas proposal

Prince Edward proposed to Sophie after five years of dating during a holiday to the Bahamas in 1998. He presented her with a two-carat oval diamond, flanked with two-heart shaped gemstones.

4. Stepping up

As the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie is a full-time working member of the royal family. She has augmented her duties since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties and Prince Andrew relinquished his official roles. Alongside this, she balances being a devoted mum to her two children: Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17.

5. Princess wedding

Her 1999 wedding to Prince Edward was low-key but still attracted 200 million TV viewers. Her silk dress was adorned with 325,000 crystals and pearls, and her Anthemion tiara was selected from the late Queen’s private jewellery collection.

Royal fans praise Sophie

The Duchess of Edinburgh smiling and wearing check blazer, pastel blouse and silver jewellery — Duchess Sophie has been praised by fans

Fans of the royal family praised Sophie’s quiet strength. Many said her work deserves more recognition. One social media user wrote: "Duchess Sophie confronts issues of violence against women with authenticity and grace."

Another said: "No Ivory Tower for the Duchess, humbly taking in all that sad information and I expect using that to continue her work to empower women."

The exhibition continues

duchess sophie in pleated white skirt and navy coat — Duchess Sophie is a favourite with fans

Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict is open to the public. It will run at the Imperial War Museum until 2 November. It includes objects, images and testimonies from across history. It aims to centre the voices of survivors.

Sophie’s appearance helped bring attention to the project. Her words struck a chord with those who heard them. Her visit reminds us that even a short statement can carry weight.

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