The Duchess of Edinburgh is making a bold statement after her visit to Ukraine.
Sophie’s visit to Ukraine was at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She emphasized that she does not consider herself “brave or courageous” for visiting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.
Last month, Sophie made history as the first royal to visit Ukraine since Russia invaded the country two years ago. Her visit aimed to express solidarity with the women, men, and children affected by the conflict.
While some have praised Sophie as “brave” for her visit, she has humbly rejected these accolades, instead pointing to the survivors of the war as the true embodiments of courage.
In a diary of her visit for The Sunday Times, the duchess said: “Since returning to the UK, many people have said how brave or courageous I was for going. I am neither.
“The brave people are those who have endured extreme violence and survived.
“The courageous are those who have reported the crimes committed against them. I am glad to have made the journey.
“Inevitably it was sad and emotional, and the painful stories and images, as with all my visits to places of conflict, will live with me.”
The 59-year-old is the Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
