The Duchess of Edinburgh suffered a travel mishap at the start
of her latest big overseas visit.
Sophie is in Zambia on a five day visit but she had to make an
early alteration to plans after her luggage was delayed.
The Duchess carried on as usual, telling people on her first
engagement in the country that she was meeting them in her
”aeroplane clothes” after her tour wardrobe was held up.
The calm response was revealed in Hello! magazine which is the
only publication accompanying the Duchess of Edinburgh on this high
profile tour.
Among the first stops for the Duchess of Edinburgh on her visit
to Zambia was Community House in Lusaka where she met the First
Lady of Zambia, Mutinta Hichilema as well as the British High
Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon.
Sophie was also entertained with a dance display to mark her
arrival.
Later, Sophie confirmed that she shared a hobby with King
Charles and the Princess of Wales as she presented some special
gifts to the President of Zambia, Haikainde Hichilema. As she
handed over three pots of honey, one was revealed to be from her
own hive at Bagshot Park. The others came from the hives at
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Both King Charles and The
Princess of Wales have spoken about their passion for bee keeping
before.
One of the main focuses of this trip is ensuring everyone has
access to eye care to prevent sight problems. The Duchess of
Edinburgh is also putting a spotlight on eye health and its vital
role across all areas of life. Part of that work included a
reception hosted by the charity, Orbis, along with the
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Another issue close to the heart of the Duchess of Edinburgh,
the eradication of gender based violence, will also be highlighted
during her five day stay in Zambia.
