Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has been named as patron of Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls.
Though the duchess has been president of the group for 21 years, her new role as patron sees her follow in the footsteps of the late Queen Elizabeth II – who was patron from 1953, and was a Guide and Sea Ranger when Princess Elizabeth.
Sophie’s first engagement with the organisation will see her meet 100 Girlguiding members from the Brownies, Guides and Rangers as they make a landmark “planned contact” with the International Space Station from Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey.
Girlguiding said it was proud to announce the appointment – and drew attention to the duchess’s prior role as president – a job she took over from Princess Margaret in 2003.
We’re proud to announce that HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh is our new patron.
The Duchess has been a passionate supporter of Girlguiding for many years since taking over the role of president from Princess Margaret in 2003.
Read our statement in full: https://t.co/Mmkzp4k45l pic.twitter.com/lhwEXkQ53p
— Girlguiding (@Girlguiding) October 3, 2024
Girlguiding’s young members and volunteers will be awarded commemorative badges like these for Sophie’s appointment
PA
It also hailed Sophie as “passionate about supporting the charity in its mission of empowering girls to find their voice, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and to make a positive difference in their community.”
At the museum, the duchess will be presented with a special patron badge at the event, while a celebration badge to mark the occasion will be available to Girlguiding’s young members and volunteers.
Tracy Foster, Girlguiding’s chief Guide, said: “We are delighted and honoured to announce Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh as our new patron.
“For over 100 years, Girlguiding has given girls space to be themselves, have fun and be heard.
MORE ON SOPHIE, DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH:
Girlguiding’s chief Guide said the duchess’s support is “invaluable”
PA
Lady Louise Windsor is also involved with Girlguiding
Getty
“Empowering all girls to know they can do anything is as important now as it was then.
“Our vision is for an equal world where all girls can make a positive difference, be happy, safe and fulfil their potential.
“As a champion for gender equality and a passionate advocate for girls and women, the duchess’s support is invaluable in helping us to make this a reality.”
While Alwen, a 14-year-old Girlguiding advocate, said: “On behalf of girls in Girlguiding, we’re really happy to hear that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh has been announced as our new patron.
The group said that the Queen’s Guide award will remain the highest award available to the girls and young women involved out of respect for Elizabeth II
PA
“We know from her time as president that she values the voice of girls and young women, and as a former Brownie, knows all too well the powerful impact Girlguiding has on us from an early age.
“The Duchess is a strong advocate of gender equality, which is hugely important for many Girlguiding members. We look forward to her continued support in this prestigious new role.”
The Royal Family’s links to Girlguiding run deep. Alongside the late Queen and Princess Margaret, Sophie and Prince Edward’s daughter Lady Louise Windsor was both a Brownie and a Guide.
The group also said that as a mark of respect and as a legacy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen’s Guide award will remain the highest award available to the girls and young women involved – and lauded the thousands who have worked to achieve the award every year since its introduction in 1946.