The Duchess of Edinburgh in Zambia

14th September: Lusaka, Zambia

The Duchess of Edinburgh was welcomed to Zambia with a cultural welcome, featuring traditional song and dance, at the British High Commission in Lusaka. 

After being presented with local chitenje material, symbolising Zambia’s unity and diversity and the “One Zambia, One Nation” spirit, The Duchess met British High Commission and British Council staff.

In the evening, The Duchess joined a reception for Eye Health charities, hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Orbis, ahead of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua in November 2026. The Summit aims to end avoidable sight loss by 2030. 

Amongst guests at the reception were Government representatives, medical professionals and local charity delivery partners.

Her Royal Highness is passionate about eliminating avoidable blindness. In her role as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, The Duchess has witnessed Orbis’s impactful work in Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and India, over many years.

15th September: Lusaka, Zambia

On her second day in Zambia, The Duchess of Edinburgh joined a group of prominent Zambian women business leaders who shared their reflections on leadership, resilience and creating opportunities for the next generation. 

Her Royal Highness heard how women are shaping Zambia's economic future, taking on leadership roles across banking, investment, agriculture and manufacturing.

Later, The Duchess visited a Zambian family business, Jewel of Africa, founded in 1992. The company provides ethically sourced Zambian gemstones, with an emphasis on direct sourcing from Zambian mines, traceability and responsible supply chains. 

The company’s partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has supported apprenticeship training and employment opportunities for young refugees, including women trained in gemstone cutting to internationally recognised standards. Her Royal Highness visited the workshop and learnt about the company’s operations from manufacturing to cutting and polishing.

Next, Her Royal Highness visited Imvelo Studios to meet artists and survivors of gender-based violence who are using creative expression as a means of empowerment, healing and advocacy. 

Her Royal Highness toured the art exhibition at the studio, followed by a small-group discussion with the artists and survivors about how art and storytelling can build confidence, resilience and community dialogue. 

During the visit, The Duchess also met representatives and advocates working to tackle gender-based violence at a governmental and grassroots level.

In the afternoon, Her Royal Highness met the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and Mutinta Hichilema, First Lady of Zambia.

In the evening, The Duchess of Edinburgh joined students, educators, researchers, volunteers, UK alumni and education partners at the British High Commissioner's Residence to celebrate the people and institutions creating opportunities through learning. 

The reception highlighted education as one of the strongest and most enduring links between Zambia and the United Kingdom. During the event, The Duchess watched a performance from Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS).