SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

The Edinburghs

The Duchess of Edinburgh joins Christmas celebrations for Ukrainian refugees

Sophie, Countess of Wessex

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been getting into the festive spirit with her engagements as the Royal Family continues its diary before the holidays. 

The Duchess spent time at The Lighthouse in Woking on December 19 to attend a very special Christmas party. Sophie joined 200 Ukrainian refugees celebrating the holidays and got into the Christmas spirit with them. 

Her Royal Highness grabbed an apron and rolled up her sleeves and helped serve lunch. She was able to chat with many of the attendees while she was serving and to get to know them. 

Sophie also helped out with face-painting and turned her hand at reindeer antlers for one young party-goer. Afterwards, she packed several children’s care packages that will be given to children in need for the holidays. 

The Lighthouse is an organisation that helps to support people who find themselves in need in Woking and Barnsbury through a wide variety of projects in the community. This holiday season, they will be delivering over 4,000 food hampers to families in the area. 

The Duchess was made patron of The Lighthouse earlier in 2023, and has volunteered with the organisation before by helping at the Jigsaw baby bank and Woking Food Bank. 

On December 20, The Duke and Duchess were seen arriving at Windsor Castle for the extended Royal Family’s Christmas lunch. 

About author

Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com