Duchess Sophie Takes on Important Hague Mission as Prince Edward Begins USA and Canada Tour
Duchess Sophie is preparing to take on an important international mission in The Hague as her husband Prince Edward begins a separate tour of the United States and Canada, putting both Edinburghs on the global stage at the same time.
The Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the International Civil Society Action Network Forum as part of her longstanding work supporting women affected by conflict and promoting their involvement in peace and security.
Sophie will make the trip in her capacity as the Royal Family’s Champion for Women, Peace and Security, an area that has become a major focus of her public work in recent years.
The 2026 ICAN Forum, titled “Security Reimagined,” is taking place from September 29 to October 2 and will bring together participants from around the world.
Women peacebuilders, policymakers and international figures from countries affected by conflict and crises are expected to participate in discussions focused on the future of global security.
According to ICAN, the gathering is intended to place civil society at the heart of those conversations, with particular emphasis on ensuring women peacebuilders have a meaningful role in shaping solutions.
Sophie’s attendance therefore closely aligns with her international work, which has repeatedly highlighted the experiences of women and girls living through conflict and instability.
The Hague carries additional significance for this year’s gathering because 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, making the city a particularly symbolic setting for discussions about peace and international security.
The forum is being hosted by ICAN in partnership with the Municipality of The Hague and Wo=Men, bringing together organisations and individuals working across peacebuilding, security and women’s rights.
Sophie’s overseas engagement comes as Prince Edward carries out international responsibilities of his own, with the Duke of Edinburgh travelling to the United States and Canada.
The separate trips demonstrate how Edward and Sophie continue to take on a significant share of the Royal Family’s public workload, including engagements extending beyond Britain.
Sophie in particular has developed a prominent international profile through her advocacy surrounding women, peace and security, alongside her work highlighting conflict-related sexual violence.
Her presence at the ICAN Forum will provide another opportunity to meet women directly involved in peacebuilding and hear perspectives from communities experiencing conflict and political instability.
With Edward undertaking engagements across North America while Sophie represents her causes in The Hague, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are beginning a particularly international period of royal duties, reinforcing their increasingly visible roles within King Charles’s working monarchy.
