Duchess of Edinburgh furthers commitment to support girls in conflict in new role as Plan International UK patron

Global children’s charity Plan International UK has today announced Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh will serve as their new Royal Patron.

The Duchess’s patronage will continue the tradition of Royal support, following on from The late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who was Patron of the charity for eight years until 2021.

A vocal champion of women’s rights, The Duchess visited the Chad-Sudan border last month to witness firsthand the impact of the conflict and met with young women and girls supported by Plan International UK. More than 10 million people have been forced to flee their homes in Sudan, with women and children a high proportion of those arriving as refugees in Chad.

The Duchess is committed to continuing her work in this area, as part of her new role as Patron of Plan International UK. Her Royal Highness will support the charity’s work to end violence against women and girls in conflict and crisis settings and help to raise greater awareness about the barriers facing girls around the world.

The announcement comes on the UN’s Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day supported by The Duchess as part of her commitment to champion the UN’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) and the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI).

Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK said:

“We are delighted that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh has agreed to be the new Patron of Plan International UK. 

“Too many girls around the world are unable go to school, feel unsafe, are not in control of their own bodies and are held back by outdated, unfair stereotypes. By becoming our Royal Patron, The Duchess is demonstrating the power of standing with girls around the world, so they can create change in their own lives and beyond. 

“We look forward to working with The Duchess to drive forward equality for girls and highlight the issues they face, particularly in times of crisis.”

Plan International is a global children’s charity striving for a world where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future. They work across more than 80 countries to ensure every child is safe and receives an education and all girls are free from violence, in control of their own body, know their rights and have their voices heard.