Duchess Sophie announces major solo trip abroad lasting a whopping 9 days

Duchess Sophie is set for a busy nine-days ahead as she has started her major solo tour of South and Central America. The Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, will be overseas from today until November 19 visiting Peru, Panama and Guatemala.

The Duchess will also visit Belize on this tour as part of the Royal Family's engagement with the Realms. Sophie is not being accompanied by her husband Prince Edward, 61, on the trip. During her time in Peru, the duchess will spend time visiting the Amazon rainforest where she will meet Indigenous leaders.

This will include women who are sustaining their communities through environmental and economic activities.

The duchess will also visit Divino Niño vision centre to learn about the clinic's services in treating glaucoma and pterygium. This visit is part of Sophie's role as Global Ambassador for The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

Sophie will then visit Panama where she will spend time meeting senior members of the Government. During important conversations with them, Sophie and the members of Government will discuss ways Panama and the UK can work together on global challenges.

This will include how they can help reduce conflict-related sexual violence - a subject Sophie feels very passionate about.

The duchess will also visit Guatemala, where she will witness civil society's support for survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence. This will include a visit to a charity supporting vulnerable young people.

Buckingham Palace has said that the Duchess will also see first-hand the conservation efforts led by Indigenous groups in the remote and biodiverse regions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Before flying back to the UK from her whirlwind tour, Prince Edward's wife will travel to the Commonwealth Realm of Belize to celebrate its diverse and dynamic society.

This will include attending the national holiday of Garifuna Settlement Day, as well as opportunities for the duchess to learn about Belizean efforts to protect natural environments. The duchess will also visit the British Army Training Support Unit Belize to see the overseas jungle training.

Sophie's trip comes just a day after she was seen with The Royal Family in central London for Remembrance Sunday.