In Zambia, the Duchess of Edinburgh is welcomed at the British High Commission in Lusaka before joining a reception of Eye Health charities hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Orbis.
The Duchess of Edinburgh is in Zambia this week, during which Sophie will carry out a number of engagements highlighting shared interests, including gender equality, climate and nature, and education and research partnerships. The Duchess began her visit with a welcome from locals performing traditional dances.
On Monday evening, the Duchess was welcomed to Zambia with a cultural welcome, featuring traditional song and dance, at the British High Commission in Lusaka. Her Royal Highness was presented with local chitenje material, which the Palace notes symbolises Zambia’s unity and diversity and the “One Zambia, One Nation” spirit.
The Duchess also met British High Commission and British Council staff and recognised those who have contributed to the UK-Zambia relationship.
Later in the evening, Sophie joined a reception for eye health charities hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Orbis, ahead of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua in November 2026. The inaugural summit will aim to end avoidable sight loss by 2030.
Amongst those in attendance at yesterday’s reception were Government representatives, medical professionals and local charity delivery partners. In her role as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, the Duchess of Edinburgh has long been ‘passionate about eliminating avoidable blindness ’, with Her Royal Highness witnessing Orbis’s impactful work in Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and India over many years.
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