The Duchess of Edinburgh seemed in good spirits as she visited the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in London today.
The royal, 58, beamed as she got creative with children with an arts and crafts session during her visit.
She appeared at ease as she spoke with volunteers and families today while she also got stuck into planting trees in the hospice garden.
Sophie has read to the children and even joined in with decorating biscuits during her previous visits.
The royal looked typically elegant in a sophisticated white gown which she paired with a cropped navy blazer.
The Duchess of Edinburgh seemed in good spirits as she visited the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in London today
She completed her ensemble with stylish white wedge heels and a chic silver clutch bag.
Her blonde locks were styled in a straight centre parting while she donned minimal make-up for a natural look.
Having a strong personal interest in the provisions for people with disabilities and young people, she has been championing Shooting Star Children’s Hospices for many years.
In 2002, Sophie officially opened their Guildford hospice and has continued to visit regularly, while also showing support for major fundraising events.
The Shooting Star Children’s Hospices updated their name in February 2019, after eight years of being known as Shooting Star Chase following the merger of two separate children’s hospice charities.
The organisation focuses on supporting over 700 children and their families throughout Surrey and 15 boroughs of London.
Sophie previously praised the work of those involved in running Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, saying: ‘Thank you for what you do in looking after these wonderful and beautiful children.
The royal, 58, beamed as she got creative with children during an arts and crafts session during her visit
The royal made some flowers out of crafts with young children at the centre during her visit
Sophie chatted to a young girl about her picture which she created out of paper crafts at the Children’s Hospice
‘The care and love that you show to every single child who comes through the door is immeasurable.
‘You are their family when they’re here. The parents trust you completely with their children and no price can be put on that.
‘And to all of the people who are helping to fund this amazing organisation, thank you – it’s a very special place and I know that many families couldn’t survive without Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.’
It comes after it was revealed that the royal made a surprise visit to Iraq as part of her work championing the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
She appeared at ease as she spoke with volunteers and families today while she also got stuck into planting trees in the hospice garden
Sophie has a strong personal interest in the provisions for people with disabilities and young people
Sophie showcased her green fingers in the garden of the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice
The royal even dug a hole and planted a tree in the garden of the hospice despite wearing heels
Sophie spent two days in the capital Baghdad, where she heard about the challenges facing Iraqi women and girls, and the ongoing work to protect and promote their rights, Buckingham Palace announced.
The previously unannounced trip, which was kept secret for security reasons, was made at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS), the Palace said.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to the majority of provinces in Iraq, amid the threat of violent protests in and around the International Zone in Baghdad.
Prince Edward’s wife attended several engagements during her stay, and delivered a message of greeting from the King to the Iraqi president, Abdul Latif Rashid, and the First Lady after meeting them in Baghdad.
Sophie visited a high school for girls, and spoke to students and teachers about education for young women in the country, and their hopes for the future.
Sophie beamed as she chatted to the children and their parents at the London hospice
The royal even petted an adorable pooch during her visit to Christopher’s, a Shooting Star Children’s Hospice
The royal held a cute baby who was delighted to be in her company during the visit
The royal looked typically elegant in a chic white gown which she paired with a cropped navy blazer
She completed her ensemble with stylish white wedge heels and a chic silver clutch bag
Her blonde locks were styled in a straight centre parting while she donned minimal make-up for a natural look
For the occasion, she donned an elegant blue dress, and kept the look simple, wearing her blonde locks in a neat blow-dry.
She was photographed with four women in uniform during the visit.
As part of her surprise visit, she also toured a family planning centre, where she heard about the work being carried out to support the reproductive health and wellbeing of Iraqi women.
She also met female business leaders to discuss the importance of women’s economic empowerment.
Dressed in a casual white linen shirt paired with a statement belt and a snake skin clutch bag, the mother-of-two was seen in deep conversation with some of the women at the centre.
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