Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was all smiles yesterday as she visited a medical centre during her trip to Tanzania.
The mother-of-two arrived in the country earlier this week. During her trip, she will be celebrating how the UK and African nation have collaborated on various issues including health, agriculture and women’s empowerment.
On Wednesday, Sophie – who is the global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) – met with TT surgery beneficiary, Hadija Shaban Kawam and Hon. Jenista Mhagama MP, Minister of Health. The women smiled for pictures as they chatted in front of Hadija’s home in Kibaha.
And the duchess, 59, was pictured beaming as she perched on the floor and rested her hand on Hadija’s, who responded to the gesture with a sweet smile.
During the visit, Sophie donned a maxi dress with statement geometric navy, brown, and beige print running across it.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (right) met with TT surgery beneficiary, Hadija Shaban Kawam (middle) and Hon. Jenista Mhagama MP, Minister of Health (left) yesterday
The duchess was pictured beaming as she held hands with the Hadija who responded to the gesture with a sweet smile.
The royal looked completely at ease in her collared frock, her blonde tresses clipped back out of the way behind her head.
And Hadija seemed at ease too: at one point, the surgery beneficiary appeared to throw her head back in a fit of giggles as the pair chatted animately.
The duchess also visited the Mlandizi Health Center Tanzania – which offers eye treatment services through the Non-Governmental Organization Sightsavers – so she could see some the treatments in action.
As part of the duchess’ visit, she witnessed a live TT surgery – which corrects trachomatous trichiasis. This is a condition where one or more eyelashes touch the eye due to lid scarring, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Sophie was pictured wearing pale blue scrubs and a medical face mask as she observed the treatment being carried out on one patient.
While at the clinic, she also spoke with one Trachoma patient Jumanne Seif Lwambo, during his appointment as well as medic Dr Hiza.
Sophie is visiting the African nation solo, flying there to deliver a message from King Charles to the Commonwealth nation.
On the first day of her visit on Tuesday, Sophie delivered a speech signed personally by her brother-in-law, the king.
At one point, the TT surgery beneficiary threw her head back in a fit of giggles as she chatted animately with Sophie
During her visit to the clinic, Sophie spoke to Trachoma patient Jumanne Seif Lwambo and Dr Hiza (pictured)
Sophie, who is the global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), was present as one patient received treatment on their eye at the clinic in Kibaha on Wednesday (pictured)
Sophie (pictured) has flown solo to the African state, to deliver a message from King Charles to the Commonwealth nation
During the speech, Charles expressed his ‘gratitude’ for Sophie’s work on the ground, aiding the people who are fighting tropical diseases.
Celebrating the two nations’ achievements on health, Sophie acknowledged the work done to eliminate trachoma, an infectious and blinding disease that has been rife in Tanzania.
The message read: ‘As patron of one of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness’s members, Sightsavers, and knowing that the Duchess of Edinburgh is with you today in Tanzania, I particularly wanted you all to know how full of admiration and gratitude I am for your passion and devoted efforts in treating and preventing neglected tropical diseases, especially trachoma.
‘Your constant dedication and hard work will lead us to a world where inclusion and equality can be realised across our Commonwealth.
‘I send you all my warmest good wishes and heartfelt encouragement for the much-needed success of your gathering.’
Sophie also set out her ambition to see trachoma eliminated across the Commonwealth by 2030.
The speech, read by Sophie. was signed, Charles R – the monarch’s personal touch signally.
On the first day of her visit on Tuesday, Sophie delivered a speech signed personally by her brother-in-law, King Charles
Sophie pictured with Hon. Jenista Mhagama MP, Minister of Health and The Honourable Mr Abubakar Kunenge, Pwani Regional Commissioner (right)
Last week, Sophie stunned in stylish ensemble as she appeared at a British Fashion Council event ahead of the start of London Fashion Week.
Often seen in maxi dresses and florals, Sophie opted for a more tailored look as she presented the British Fashion Council’s Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, at the Royal Academy of Arts in central London.
The wife of Prince Edward opted for a pair of tweed, wide-leg trousers, featuring patch pockets and a V-neck, burgundy blouse with blouson sleeves.
She wore her blond hair brushed back behind her ears to reveal a pair of gold earrings with dainty, dark red gemstones attached.
The Duchess beamed as she presented the British Fashion Council’s Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to 27-year-old London-based menswear designer Steven Stokey-Daley.
Sophie wore a pair of tailored, wide-leg trousers featuring patch pockets and a burgundy blouse with blouson sleeves
Sophie cut a stylish figure at a British Fashion Council event in London last week, wearing tweed trousers and a maroon blouse
The award took the form of a tall, silver vase decorated with coloured roses and leaves.
Previous winners of the honour, which was set up ‘in recognition of the role the industry plays in society and diplomacy’, include Richard Quinn – who received it from Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 – Saul Nash and Priya Ahluwalia.
The award also aims to turn the spotlight on young designers who are making a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement.
Steven Stokey-Daley, who worked on menswear collections at Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford before setting up his SS Daley label, has built up a celebrity following, with fans including pop star Harry Styles – who even invested in the brand.
Sophie also greeted other attendees, including the chief executive of the British Fashion Council Caroline Rush CBE and BBC radio broadcaster and TV presenter Clara Amfo.