Duchess Sophie earns praise as she steps up for King Charles amid his cancer treatment

Duchess Sophie dazzled in a striking blue ensemble as she stepped up to represent King Charles during a poignant event in Belgium this week. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, travelled to Brussels on Wednesday, where she carried out a series of engagements aligned with causes close to her heart — particularly focusing on tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation online.

Sophie, who was joined by safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, delivered a powerful address to European politicians at an event hosted by the European Parliament intergroup on children’s rights. 

Emphasising the need for collective action, the Duchess called for collaboration between governments and technology companies to combat the growing threat of online child abuse.

Duchess Sophie’s engagement in Brussels came at a pivotal time as King Charles continues his cancer treatment. 

Royal insiders say that Sophie has been a “pillar of support” for the monarch and has been taking on more high-profile roles to ensure that key royal engagements are fulfilled.

A royal source told The Mirror: "Sophie’s unwavering dedication to her charitable causes and her ability to seamlessly step in when needed has not gone unnoticed by the King and the wider Royal Family."

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