Duchess Sophie will be heading to Bangladesh next week for an important three-day visit, Buckingham Palace has announced. The Duchess of Edinburgh will be visiting the South Asian country between Monday, November 9 and Wednesday, November 11. Sophie’s visit will highlight the strength and breadth of the UK-Bangladesh partnership, and she will undertake a number of engagements focusing heavily on the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women and girls.

In the country’s capital, Dhaka, the Duchess will be received by the President of Bangladesh and the Prime Minister’s spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to discuss these shared interests.

Sophie is also set to visit the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to learn about the country’s vital role in UN peacekeeping and to highlight the importance of women’s participation in peace and security.

Elsewhere during the packed royal tour, Her Royal Highness will visit the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) to meet young athletes, including female hockey players.

The engagement will celebrate the crucial role of sport in creating opportunities for women and girls.

The Duchess will also join a celebration with young people to mark 75 years of the British Council in Bangladesh, championing education, cultural exchange, and women’s empowerment.

Following her time in Dhaka, Sophie will travel to Cox’s Bazar to witness the vital work of organisations supporting Rohingya refugees.

There, she will hear about the protection and support services available for women, girls, and families affected by displacement.

Sophie will also learn about the on-the-ground work being done to strengthen resilience and leadership within refugee communities, helping women and children build a future despite their ongoing displacement.

The last time the royal visited the country was in 2017.

Sophie’s invitation this year came at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.