DOING THE HARD YARDS

The Duchess of Edinburgh shows her sensitivity as she supports survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

- REPORT: EMILY NASH

The Duchess of Edinburgh has never shied away from shining a light on some of the most challenging problems in society. So when she returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to highlight the plight of survivors of sexual violence in conflict, her commitment was unstinting.

"You have to allow this issue to get under your skin," she said. "And there is only one way to achieve that: you have to go and see it for yourself."

During a secret four-day visit to the DRC, Sophie heard from survivors as young as 16 and met those working to support them. In the country's capital, Kinshasa, she watched as a five-year-old girl underwent surgery for her injuries under the care of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege at the Panzi Clinic.