Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2 October 2025 — At the request of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Duchess of Edinburgh has undertaken a high‑profile visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), drawing international attention to the devastating toll of the country’s protracted conflict, particularly on women and girls.
During her visit to Beni, now a central hub for humanitarian operations and the temporary headquarters of the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, the Duchess met with international “blue helmets” to hear about their work in civilian protection, conflict resolution, and advocacy for women’s rights.
At Beni General Hospital, she spoke with clinicians delivering UK‑funded sexual and reproductive health services to survivors of conflict‑related sexual violence, underscoring Britain’s role in supporting frontline medical care.
The Duchess also met grassroots women peacebuilders, recognising their efforts to strengthen community resilience and advance local peace initiatives despite threats and reprisals.
Her visit builds on her longstanding advocacy for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and her support for the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI). It also marks her second trip to the DRC, following her historic 2022 visit as the first member of the British royal family to travel to the country.
By returning to eastern Congo at a time of heightened violence and displacement, the Duchess has sought to amplify the voices of survivors and peacebuilders, while reaffirming the UK’s commitment to tackling sexual violence in conflict and supporting stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Duchess of Edinburgh and Soldiers Picture from royal.uk
