The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, dedicated her day in Kathmandu to a series of engagements that underscored her commitment to maternal care, support for survivors of sexual violence, and the advancement of women’s rights.
Her visit began at Bhaktapur Hospital’s maternity wing, where she warmly greeted mothers and their newborns. Amid the hushed atmosphere of the ward, where some infants were merely a day old, the Duchess expressed her heartfelt wish to embrace each of the new mothers, remarking, “I want to hold them all.” Greeted by Dr Sumitra Gautum, Bagmati Province’s Health Secretary, and guided through the facility by Roshani Shrestha, the hospital’s nurse in charge, she learned about the maternity programme. The initiative, supported by the FCDO, offers vital services including food, clothing, and a 2000 rupee payment to encourage at-risk rural mothers to deliver in a safe, hospital setting rather than at home. The facility itself boasts comprehensive services across maternity, paediatrics, emergency care, surgery, pathology, laboratories, radiology, pharmacy, and social services, in addition to hosting one of Nepal’s largest emergency departments.
Moving through the hospital, the Duchess engaged with mothers about the challenges of breastfeeding, noting that support in the early days is essential as “it can take some time for the milk to come.” She also observed the hospital’s one-stop crisis management centre, which provides immediate care and safe housing for survivors of gender-based violence, rape, and sexual assault.
Before departing from Bhaktapur Hospital, the Duchess signed a visitor’s book and a commemorative souvenir booklet marking 125 years of the hospital’s service.
Her next engagement took her to Maiti Nepal, an organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and gender-based violence. Upon arrival, she was presented with a blue scarf and guided through a photographic exhibition featuring the King’s visit to the centre in 1998, during his tenure as Prince of Wales.
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit in Kathmandu not only highlighted her passion for these vital causes but also reinforced her ongoing commitment to using her platform to bring about meaningful change.
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