Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, given new role previously held by the late Prince Philip

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has been given a new role that has further cemented her place in the British royal family.

Sophie, 59, will take over as royal patron of Plan International UK, a charity previously supported by her late father-in-law Prince Philip.

"We're delighted to announce our new Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh," Plan UK wrote on X.

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"As a champion of women's rights, The Duchess has witnessed first hand the impact conflict and crisis can have on young women and girls," they continued.

"We look forward to working with The Duchess to raise awareness of the barriers facing girls around the world."

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The announcement was accompanied by a photo of the duchess during a recent trip to Chad in October.

The visit was the first time a member of the British royal family official visited the Central African country.

The organisation said: "The Duchess is committed to continuing her work in this area, as part of her new role as Patron of Plan International UK. Her Royal Highness will support the charity's work to end violence against women and girls in conflict and crisis settings and help to raise greater awareness about the barriers facing girls around the world."

Sophie has become the first member of the royal family to visit Chad, meeting with desperate women now living in the refugee camp of Adré – a. town 400 metres from the border with Sudan.

The border crossing sees 1000 refugees a day, mainly women and children who have travelled for weeks just to get there.

The duchess had a private meeting with women at Adre District Hospital, where she heard harrowing recounts of sexual violence.

After emerging from the tent, Sophie wiped away tears.

She told British media from The Telegraph UK, and The Times, travelling with her on the visit, the conversations had been "devastating".

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The duchess said: "I daren't even describe to you what they've been doing to children.

"People are having to exchange food and water for sex – for rape.

"That is violence that is being enacted through conflict; it is being used as a bargaining tool."

Sophie has also taken on the patronage of Girl Guiding in the UK, previously supported by the late Queen Elizabeth.

Both Sophie and husband Prince Edward have proved to be steadfast members of the royal family, stepping in as needed while King Charles and the Princess of Wales undergo treatment for cancer.

The Duchess of Edinburgh joined the Princess of Wales on the balcony for Remembrance Day on November 10, placing a comforting hand on Kate's shoulder as they exited.

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