Duchess of Edinburgh brushes off suggestions she is ‘Royal Secret weapon' as she speaks at Bosnia genocide anniversary
She was
Advertisement
3
The Duchess of Edinburgh spoke at a service in the memory of thousands killed in the Srebrenica genocide
Credit: PA
3
The Duchess laid a wreath commemorating the 30th anniversary of the atrocity
Credit: PA
3
She also met with the grieving Mothers of Srebrenica
Credit: PA
She read a message of "hope" from the King and said "I hope that I make a difference".
It is now more than two years since she was made the first
She said it's "emotional" and was "quite a big moment" to follow in her footsteps.
In the past year, Sophie, 60, has traveled to Chad in Africa to highlight the refugee crisis in the Sudan conflict.
Advertisement
READ MORE ON SOPHIE WESSEX
She was the first member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine.
This week she marked 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia.
She works closely with the UK government on projects highlighting and tackling sexual violence on women in conflict zones.
Despite marrying the King's younger sibling Prince Edward 26 years ago, she has often been dubbed "The Royal Family's secret weapon".
Advertisement
Most read in Royals
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday at the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial this week she laughed off the nickname, saying: "It's all very well being a secret weapon but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret.
She then added: "I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment.
Sophie Wessex weeps as she meets women raped in exchange for food & water on harrowing trip to war victims in Chad
"I don't see myself in a frontline position per se, that said, admittedly there are fewer working members of the family these days so I suppose more and more are becoming less secretive.
"I just wonder what they are going to describe me as next."
Advertisement
Sophie became Duchess of Edinburgh after Edward was named Duke on his 59th birthday in March 2023.
The last duchess was the late Queen who held the title for five years between her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947 and accession in 1952.
Asked about losing her former Countess of Wessex title she joked "I quite liked her".
But speaking about taking on the late Queen's title, said: "It was quite large shoes to fill.
Advertisement
"For me it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes. It felt like quite a big moment.
'But of course being practical, my role and my husband's role is to support the King, as it was to support the Queen, and we are fortunate because we are able to not be in a front and centre role.
"It allows us the flexibility to explore our own interests and then also be available to do things like this where the King asked if I would represent him here.
"It so happens it also covering an area of interest personally for me too.
Advertisement
'But yes, we are there to support and that will continue."
I think if I can keep banging the drum it perhaps creates traction somewhere
Duchess of Edinburgh
There have been calls for Sophie to be given more responsibility and The Sun understands there are motives behind palace walls for her to have a greater role after the deaths of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and the banishment of Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which all left a heavier workload for the rest of the family.
But over the years Sophie has quietly been working on serious and often traumatic topics such as women suffering sexual violence in conflict zones.
In Bosnia, she had a heart-to-heart with families pleading for help from local politicians to find and identify the remains of thousands who were slaughtered and are still missing from the 1990s conflict in Eastern Europe.
Advertisement
And at the Srebrenica Genocide Centre she embraced mothers who have fought tirelessly for justice from authorities.
Sophie said: "It can take its toll on emotions, that's for sure.
"They are not easy subject matters, they never are.
"But every time I go somewhere it serves to strengthen my resolve to do as much as I can and to continue to tread this path because I have absolute faith in the women of the world to solve so many issues that we have alongside men, who of course, we can't do it without.
Advertisement
She said: "It is always emotional, of course it is always emotional, but you have to see through the emotion to find the strength and it is always there.
"I hope that my activity in this area creates continuity".
She added: 'But I hope that I make a difference. It's very hard because sometimes these issues are very overwhelming because of the scale.
"But I think if I can keep banging the drum it perhaps creates traction somewhere.
Advertisement
"It would be too easy to give up."
And many of the people she met in Bosnia who shared their harrowing stories will be hoping she continues to tackle the difficult topics.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Kim Kardashian fans convinced she spent $10million on designer bag after posting video of ‘stealing' it
KIM Kardashian fans are convinced that she spent millions of dollars on a designer bag after posting video of 'stealing' it. An original Hermès Birkin Bag was sold for a record-breaking amount at an online auction. 8 Kim Kardashians pals questioned the star if she spent nearly 10million dollars Credit: Splash 8 The original Hermes Birkin bag was sold for a whopping $10million at Sotheby's Credit: PA 8 The reality star reposted an AI meme video which showed her breaking the glass case Credit: Splash The iconic status symbol - which was listed by Sotheby's - was originally created for actress and model Jane Birkin in 1984. Despite stains and scratches, it became the most expensive handbag ever sold after a buyer paid a huge €8.6 million ($10 million). Kim Kardashian, 44, took to social media to poke fun at the sale as she seemed to be eyeing up the bag. She posted a video on her Instagram which featured an AI version of herself by meme account RickDick. READ MORE ON KIM The character broke a glass case which contained the original Birkin bag, as the caption read: "birKIM." After the post, she followed up with a string of texts from various people, who all wondered if she had bought the extortionate accessory. One text read: "Please tell me you bought that Birkin. Would be BAD ASS." Another pal asked: "Are u the winner of the first Birkin bag?" Most read in Entertainment While a third enquired: "Did you buy Jane Birkin's birkin?!!?" As a fourth jokingly stated: ""Kim for real did you buy the original Birkin??? Or should I stop blaming you every time I lose an auction?" Kim Kardashian mocked for 'drunk' Balenciaga runway walk as fans ask 'what is she doing?' And someone else added: "Okay tell me the truth, did you buy the Birkin or not?" However, the designer bag actually went to a private collector from Japan - whose identity is known - despite the speculation. The bid was placed through Maiko Ichikawa who is the Country Head of Sotheby's Japan Jeff Bezos' wife According to the Bids were as high as $6.5 million, $6.8 million and €6.2 million ($7.2million) before the final price was agreed. 8 Despite scruffing, scratches and stains, bidding started at a whopping $1million Credit: Getty 8 The original Hermes bag was made for actress Jane Birkin Credit: AFP 8 Three bids were placed at over $6million before the final price was agreed Credit: PA 8 She reposted an AI meme onto her Instagram story which sent tongues wagging Credit: Splash 8 Kim's own friends questioned whether she was the one to buy the bag Credit: Instagram/@kimkardashian
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
The 2025 Curse of Corrie – how the soap's stars have suffered heartbreaking splits this year
IT is safe to say that 2025 really has not been a great year for the country's longest running soap opera Coronation Street. From budget cuts to episode axes to a major cast cull, the show has found itself in the spotlight for mostly the wrong reasons this year. 7 It's been a year of heartbreak for the cast of Corrie Credit: Getty 7 A number of the soap's actresses have split from their partners Credit: Splash 7 It is the latest curse to hit the soap opera this year Credit: Getty - Contributor But it isn't just on-screen where things have been going from bad to worse. Beyond the cobbles, the stars of the show have also been dealing with their own personal heartbreaks. It appears to be the year of off-screen splits for the From sirens of years gone past to current fan favourites on the show, it's been a pretty heartbreaking year for the stars of soap. Read More on Corrie The Sun takes a look at some of the Corrie's casts shock splits and what drove them to breaking point in their once solid romances. Katie McGlynn 7 Katie McGlynn split from her reality star partner this week Credit: Instagram Sinead Tinker actress This week, it was confirmed that , who started dating former reality star after meeting on a cruise ship in 2023, had decided to call time on their romance, despite last February. They quietly began to remove traces of each other from their social media before their split was revealed by the . Most read in Soaps One source said: "Katie and Ricky have ended their romance, they're still friends and want to remain civil but in terms of a romantic relationship, it's definitely over." They added that they found it "difficult" to maintain a long distance relationship, with Katie in Manchester and Ricky in Essex . Ex-Coronation Street & Strictly star 'headed for divorce' after just two years as she deletes husband from social media Ricky, who was previously engaged to Marnie Simpson, rose to fame on the ITV reality show in 2012 before leaving 10 years ago. Georgia May Foote 7 Georgia May Foote is headed for divorce from her husband Credit: Instagram Another former soap actress who has been facing a heartbreaking battle is Katy Armstrong star Georgia May Foote. The Sun told earlier this week how the actress was Georgia has removed her wedding ring and wiped all traces of the musician who she once called her 'best friend' from her Instagram page — including glossy snaps from their wedding. A source told The Sun: 'Georgia's marriage to Kris seems to be over. 'It's on the rocks. 'She's looking to the future and is surrounded by friends and her family.' Despite the split, the pair are understood to still be living together as they figure out their next steps amid the split. A source admitted that The actress opened the salon amid struggles to find acting work and financial hardship. She is now aiming to crowdfund to raise cash in the wake of her split and the business burning down. Georgia Taylor 7 Georgia split from her co-star Charlie after two years together Credit: Instagram At the start of the year, it was revealed that Toyah Battersby actress Georgia Taylor had split from her co-star lover. Whilst on-screen, Toyah enjoyed an on-off marriage with husband, Imran Habeeb, away from screens, actress Georgia was dating her on-screen husband's actor in real life - Charlie de Melo. The 44-year-old had been romancing the soap hunk since late 2022 - just months after Charlie's character was killed off the soap and their pretend marriage crumbled. However, it is thought news was made public in January of this year. A friend revealed: 'Georgia and Charlie are no longer a couple, but they remain friends who care about each other deeply. 'They have lots of happy memories together, but are both really focused on work at the moment and looking forward to the future, there are no hard feelings.' Charlie's character was killed off in June 2022 when he died of a heart attack, leaving millions of Corrie viewers in tears. Georgia said at the time she was heartbroken by Charlie's decision to leave the ITV show. Speaking in 2022, she said: 'I absolutely adore him. He's been a dream. "He's so funny so we laugh a lot but he is honestly one of the most supportive people I have ever worked with." Shortly after Georgia's gushing comments, they found themselves starting a romance in real life. Tina O'Brien 7 Tina's marriage to Adam is understood to be over Credit: Splash Sarah Platt actress Tina was left nursing her own heartbreak earlier this year when it was revealed she had split from her husband, Adam Crofts. It is understood the pair called it quits at the top of the year following a stressful house move. The 41-year-old soap actress decided it would be better for them to live apart after wishing to spend some time alone. They both quickly ditched their wedding rings and decided to unfollow each other online. However, sources insisted they were "still close" and would remain so for the sake of their son, Beau. Tina and Adam started dating in 2011 before marrying on New Year's Eve in Manchester in 2018. Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025 ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap. This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama. Colson Smith - Craig Tinker The character of Craig Tinker Sue Cleaver - Eileen Grimshaw After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I'm A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver Luca Toolan - Mason Radcliffe Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after Sue Devaney - Debbie Webster In November 2024, we revealed that Charlotte Jordan - Daisy Midgeley The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We Shelley King - Yasmeen Metcalfe The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
BBC bosses told to ‘get a grip quicker' after Bob Vylan launched into ‘death to IDF' chant at Glastonbury
BBC bosses have been told to 'get a grip quicker' after major controversies such as punk rap duo Bob Vylan's Glastonbury outrage, the regulator says. Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes insisted there is a risk the public lose faith in the corporation if coverage isn't pulled swiftly and investigations are lengthy. Advertisement 6 Punk Duo Bob Vylan during the controversial Glastonbury set on Saturday Credit: PA 6 Singer Bobby Vylan crowdsurfed off the West Holts Stage Credit: AFP 6 The performance was live-streamed for 40 minutes before being removed from iPlayer Credit: PA The broadcaster has apologised after the band's lead singer chanted 'death, death' to Israeli defence forces during their festival set last month. The live stream of the performance continued for around 40 minutes after the remarks, with only an on-screen warning added before it was removed from iPlayer. The BBC later conceded it 'should have pulled' the stream, prompting fierce criticism from across the political spectrum . Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA, and Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are reviewing footage as part of a criminal investigation. Advertisement Read more News Beeb bosses have vowed not to broadcast live performances of "high risk" acts on the main channels or the iPlayer. Dawes also spoke ahead of a review into a Gaza documentary where the teenage narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The programme, which aired earlier this year, sparked accusations of bias and a lack of proper vetting — criticisms that, combined with the Glastonbury row, have intensified scrutiny of the BBC's editorial judgment. She told the BBC: "I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Exclusive Exclusive "I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. "So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame." Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC The BBC did issue an apology after the Bob Vylan set saying it apologised for 'such offensive and deplorable behaviour'. Critics argue the BBC failed to act decisively during the live broadcast, despite having dozens of staff on site at Glastonbury to monitor content. Advertisement The performance took place on the West Holts Stage, just ahead of another controversial act, Kneecap, whose own set was not shown live after security concerns were raised in advance. Culture Secretary Shadow Home Secretary He has previously said the band must be investigated and prosecuted. Advertisement The incident has also raised comparisons to other recent high-profile cases, such as that of Lucy Connolly — the wife of a Conservative councillor who was jailed over tweets after a tragic murder case. Some, including Philp, argue that failing to prosecute the rapper would expose a double standard in how hate speech laws are applied. Avon and Somerset Police have launched a probe into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance at the Somerset festival. The BBC has said: "We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. Advertisement "We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC." Rapper Bobby Vylan, one half of the duo, had also used the slogan 'from the river to the sea Palestine must be, will be, free.' The fallout from the broadcast has reignited wider debates about the BBC's impartiality, especially around issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Senior figures, including former BBC executive Danny Cohen and members of the Culture Select Committee, have called for a full internal review led by BBC Chairman Samir Shah. Advertisement On the Gaza review, a BBC spokesperson said the findings will be published as soon as possible, adding: "It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process." MPs are expected to grill BBC executives on both incidents when they appear before Parliament in the coming weeks. Critics say the broadcaster's slow response and lack of editorial oversight at live events now pose a serious threat to its reputation as an impartial public service. 6 The BBC released an apology after streaming the set Credit: PA Advertisement 6 Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Bob Vylan performing on stage at the 100 Club in central London Credit: PA
