Sophie’s surprise visit to Northern Ireland was her first solo visit to the region in nearly a decade, and she jam-packed her day full of engagements to greet her patronages and members of the public.
The Duchess of Edinburgh officially opened the Randalstown location of the National Autistic Society and met with families who will be supported by the space. The National Autistic Society Northern Ireland posted on their Facebook page about their delight in having Sophie open the new Randalstown location and called it “an amazing day filled with inspiration, admiration and support.”
Sophie then visited with women who have completed the Women in Leadership Programme at the Randalstown Library. The Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council shared details on their website about the programme, which was launched in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2024.
Women in the borough sign up to learn confidence and leadership skills and to network for opportunities. Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said in a statement, “It was an honour to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh to the Women in Leadership Graduation. It was particularly fitting as the programme forms part of a series of legacy projects established in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a woman whose life of service, resilience, and quiet leadership continues to inspire generations.”
Afterwards, Sophie stayed at the library and met with its leadership team and the members of its reading group, as well as members of Tidy Randalstown who work to help maintain the borough.
Sophie’s final engagement saw her dropping in to the Bloomfield Walkways Community Centre in Belfast to learn about their programming and to meet with Guide Dogs, which is marking 40 years of work in Northern Ireland. During the visit, Sophie met Luna and Biscuit, and presented Judith Martin with a volunteer certificate for being the Association’s 1000th volunteer in Northern Ireland.
Sophie’s visit to Northern Ireland comes on the heels of a visit of Somalia and Kenya late last month at the request of the government.
