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British Royals

The Duchess of Edinburgh suffers travel mishap as she embarks on major visit

The Duchess of Edinburgh suffered a travel mishap at the start of her latest big overseas visit.

Sophie is in Zambia on a five day visit but she had to make an early alteration to plans after her luggage was delayed.

The Duchess carried on as usual, telling people on her first engagement in the country that she was meeting them in her ”aeroplane clothes” after her tour wardrobe was held up.

The calm response was revealed in Hello! magazine which is the only publication accompanying the Duchess of Edinburgh on this high profile tour.

Among the first stops for the Duchess of Edinburgh on her visit to Zambia was Community House in Lusaka where she met the First Lady of Zambia, Mutinta Hichilema as well as the British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon.

Sophie was also entertained with a dance display to mark her arrival.

Later, Sophie confirmed that she shared a hobby with King Charles and the Princess of Wales as she presented some special gifts to the President of Zambia, Haikainde Hichilema. As she handed over three pots of honey, one was revealed to be from her own hive at Bagshot Park. The others came from the hives at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Both King Charles and The Princess of Wales have spoken about their passion for bee keeping before.

One of the main focuses of this trip is ensuring everyone has access to eye care to prevent sight problems. The Duchess of Edinburgh is also putting a spotlight on eye health and its vital role across all areas of life. Part of that work included a reception hosted by the charity, Orbis, along with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

Another issue close to the heart of the Duchess of Edinburgh, the eradication of gender based violence, will also be highlighted during her five day stay in Zambia.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.