Buckingham Palace has released fresh details about royal engagements just hours after Meghan Markle and Harry touched down in Jordan for their first overseas visit in 18 months.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have travelled to the Middle East to back humanitarian efforts linked to the World Health Organization. During their visit, the couple are expected to see projects they have helped fund, including initiatives focused on arranging medical evacuations for children affected by the conflict in Gaza.
While attention has been on the Sussexes’ trip, the Palace also confirmed that the Duchess of Edinburgh has quietly carried out an important visit of her own.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said that the Duchess travelled to Somalia at the request of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to continue her long-standing work supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
During the visit, she met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia. She later joined his daughter, Jihan Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to meet survivors and hear directly about their experiences.
The Duchess also travelled to Lower Shabelle, where she met the wives of Somali forces. The women spoke about the difficulties they face while their husbands work to bring greater security and stability to the country.
In Mogadishu, she visited a hospital to learn more about a UK-backed sexual and reproductive health programme operating in areas affected by instability and displacement.
Reports suggest that, despite their presence in Jordan this week, Meghan Markle and Harry are not expected to hold any meetings with members of the Jordanian royal family during the trip.
