Duchess Sophie was all smiles as she attended a special 60th-anniversary celebration for Wellbeing of Women, a UK charity dedicated to women’s health, where she serves as patron.
Held at PwC on Monday, the event was a chance to honor the charity’s volunteers and recognize its impactful work over six decades.
During the event, Sophie enjoyed a touching reunion with Sir Marcus Setchell, former Surgeon-Gynaecologist to Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered her two children, Lady Louise Windsor, now 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, now 16. Sir Marcus also assisted at the birth of Prince George in 2013. Upon greeting him, Sophie warmly shared that they had met recently, jokingly confirming he “needed no introduction.”
Dame Professor Lesley Regan, Wellbeing of Women Chair, highlighted the charity’s groundbreaking achievements, including advancements in gynecological cancer treatment and improvements in maternal and infant health.
“We hadn’t realized how extensive the impact has been,” she said, emphasizing how the research funded by the organization has touched countless lives.
The Duchess also took part in cutting a commemorative chocolate buttermilk sponge cake adorned with macarons, gold leaf, and fresh fruit. “I made that look so easy,” she quipped, earning praise from Rebecca Marshman, Group Head Pastry Chef at PwC, who replied: “You’ve definitely done it before.”
Throughout the event, Sophie engaged warmly with volunteers, fundraisers, and experts, including 86-year-old Jane Jones and her daughter Nicky Milner, who have raised over £1 million for the charity through annual Christmas fairs.
Nicky praised the Duchess, saying, “She’s absolutely brilliant for the charity. The work they are doing impacts everyone—women and men alike.”
Wellbeing of Women CEO Janet Lindsay commended Sophie’s empathy and ability to connect with everyone, from volunteers to leading researchers. “Women’s health and rights are central to her focus,” she noted.
Since its founding in 1964, Wellbeing of Women has invested over £75 million in research that has led to life-changing medical innovations, such as improved treatments for heavy and painful periods, advancements in cancer prevention, and saving millions of babies worldwide.
In a statement, Dame Lesley Regan said: “Despite our achievements, women’s health remains critically underfunded. We must continue to raise money and awareness to ensure women receive the care they need quickly and effectively.”
For the occasion, Duchess Sophie radiated elegance in a black-and-white floral wrap dress featuring a polka dot ribbon belt and A-line skirt. She accessorized with nude heels and gold drop earrings, completing her look with soft, loose waves and glowing makeup.
Sophie became patron of Wellbeing of Women in May 2021, a role previously held by the late Princess Diana, who was deeply committed to the charity’s mission during the 1980s. Speaking about her involvement, Sophie said, “I’m delighted to take on this role. I have a vested interest in it.”
