Sophie, the wife of Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh, undertook a spontaneous international visit to Iraq driven by concerns for security and the broader aim of advancing women’s leadership on the ground. The trip was coordinated in connection with the UK’s diplomatic and development apparatus to reinforce the Women, Peace and Security mission. The purpose was to demonstrate steadfast support for programs that empower women and girls amid evolving regional challenges, while underscoring Britain’s willingness to engage directly with communities pursuing education, health, and economic opportunity.
During the two days in Baghdad, the Duchess engaged with a spectrum of young women and girls, listening to their stories, acknowledging their aspirations, and highlighting the essential role women play in conflict prevention, resilience, and rebuilding societies. Her presence served as a high-visibility signal of international backing for local initiatives that improve access to education, healthcare, and safe spaces for dialogue. The visit also offered a platform to discuss practical steps for translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes for women and families across the country.
In formal settings, Duchess Sophie met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and the First Lady, exchanging reflections on gender equality, education, and shared regional priorities. A message from Charles III was conveyed to accompany the discussions, reinforcing the close ties between the United Kingdom and Iraq and confirming continued collaboration on humanitarian and development objectives. The exchanges were framed to emphasize partnership, mutual respect, and the importance of empowering women as a catalyst for broader social progress.
One of the key engagements involved a visit to a girls’ high school where the Duchess spoke candidly to teachers and students about the value of education in shaping futures. She highlighted the transformative power of learning for girls, the necessity of safe and supportive school environments, and the role education plays in expanding opportunities for families and communities. The conversation touched on curriculum access, gender-inclusive pedagogy, and pathways that lead to higher education and vocational training.
The itinerary also included a stop at a Family Planning Center, where conversations centered on women’s health, reproductive rights, and the importance of autonomy over personal health decisions. The Duchess underscored the connection between sustainable development, economic participation, and empowered women making informed choices about their lives and communities. Alongside health services, the visit featured interactions with women entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, and driving local innovation in sectors such as craft, technology, and services. These discussions highlighted the practical needs of small enterprises, including access to finance, mentorship, and networks that enable scaling while maintaining social responsibility.
Earlier reports noted that the Duchess of Edinburgh had previously visited a center for children with autism, an experience that informed her ongoing commitment to inclusive education and broad family support services. The broader narrative of the Iraqi engagement thus connects education, health, entrepreneurship, and inclusive care as interdependent pillars of stability and growth. By meeting diverse stakeholders across schools, health facilities, and enterprise hubs, the visit illustrated a holistic approach to development that centers on the dignity and potential of women and families. The trip reinforced the message that progress in one area—whether education, healthcare, or economic development—benefits entire communities, particularly the most vulnerable groups.