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The indefatigable Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is poised to be recognized as the most dedicated royal in modern history. For years, Princess Anne has held the title of the hardest working royal, but the Duchess of Edinburgh is now poised to claim that honor for herself having more than doubled her engagements this month compared to the same time last year. So far, Sophie has completed 38 appointments, a significant leap from the 18 she managed in September 2022.
In contrast, Princess Anne conducted 20 engagements last year but has seen her numbers drop to just 13 this month, according to the Court Circular. Insiders reveal that the 59-year-old Duchess has emerged as a secret weapon for the royal family, stepping up her efforts during a time of need. Sophie has been tirelessly working to fill the gaps left by others, shared one source. She's on track to become the hardest working royal, especially with three prominent figures currently sidelined due to health issues.
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Both King Charles and the Princess of Wales have been largely absent this year having taken time off for undisclosed cancer treatments. Additionally, Princess Anne was unable to fulfill her duties in June and July after suffering an injury from a suspected horse kick at her country estate. Despite her serious head injury, which understandably limited her engagements, the Princess Royal has been gradually returning to her royal duties, increasing her appearances since the incident. The 74-year-old has long been recognized for her dedication, with fans applauding her recent official visit to the Netherlands just last weekend where she represented the king at a solemn ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, where paratroopers famously descended from planes.
Meanwhile, Sophie has ramped up both domestic and international commitments. Last week, she undertook a series of appointments in Sussex, visiting the Rother Valley Half Marathon Community Centre in Farum, Main Chance Animal Sanctuary, and Parity for Disability, which aids individuals with multiple disabilities. Last year, Sophie made history as the first royal to visit Baghdad, Iraq, and she recently traveled to Tanzania to advocate for awareness of trachoma, a preventable disease that can lead to blindness.
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In 2023, Prince Edward's wife ranked as the fourth hardest working royal, completing a total of 144 engagements. Her husband managed 144 while the king undertook 197 and Princess Anne led the pack with 212 official engagements. As the year draws to a close, Sophie and Edward are gearing up for a busy schedule including a trip to Malta next month for a series of official duties. But before joining the royal family in 1999, Sophie carved out a successful career in public relations, starting at Capital Radio in 1996 before launching her own agency, RJH Public Relations, which she ran with her business partner Murray Hinx for five years.
Elsewhere, the Duchess of Edinburgh's visit to Tanzania marks a significant royal return after six years. This trip is particularly notable as it comes six years after Prince William's last visit to the country, emphasizing the ongoing diplomatic ties between the UK and Tanzania. A representative from the Tanzanian Commission highlighted the visit's focus on several critical areas including health, agriculture, and the empowerment of women - sectors that are pivotal for Tanzania's development. The aims are to strengthen partnerships and promote initiatives in these fields.
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Sophie, who is married to Prince Edward, previously traveled to Tanzania in 2004, while the last royal visit was made by Prince William in 2018. The Duchess's trip is expected to span several days, concluding on Friday, September 20th. During her stay, The Duchess will explore key locations including the bustling commercial hub of Dar es Salaam, the picturesque island of Zanzibar, and Ruaha situated near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. In Dar es Salaam, Sophie is scheduled to visit the Mwanani Health Center, a facility supported by UK funding that provides vital sexual health and family planning services.
This visit aligns with her commitment to advancing health cooperation between the UK and Tanzania. The Duchess is expected to help launch the UK's new Horticulture Export Accelerator Program in Ruaha to boost Tanzanian horticultural exports, fostering economic growth. She is also keen to meet with female farmers to learn about their experiences and how science and entrepreneurship can empower women in agriculture. Throughout her visit, the Duchess will meet with officials, healthcare professionals, and communities to emphasize the importance of collaboration in achieving developmental goals.
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However, this royal visit comes amid backdrop of political tension in Tanzania since President Samia Suluhu took office following the death of former President John Magufuli three years ago. While efforts have been made to ease political repression, the country has recently witnessed violence that raises concerns about civil liberties. Tragically, the body of Ally Ali Mchumo Kassim was discovered under suspicious circumstances near Dar es Salaam after being abducted, with preliminary examinations indicating he had been severely assaulted before his demise. As the Duchess embarks on her journey, her visit serves as an important reminder of ongoing challenges around human rights and democracy in Tanzania.
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