For her first day in the country, Sophie Wessex visited Bukavu, in South Kivu Province, and met representatives from the Pole Pole Foundation, an organisation which protects the gorillas of the Kahuzi Biega National Park and supports local communities by giving them the skills for alternative, nonexploitative livelihoods.
The Pole Pole Foundation was shortlisted as a finalist for The Earthshot Prize in 2021, Prince William’s environment organisation that aims to find ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet.
During her visit, Sophie spoke with Pole Pole founder John Kahekwa Munihuzi, accepted handmade gifts and even received a Congolese name.
The royal was given the name “Umoja Mama Louise” meaning “unity” in Swahili and “Mama” before the name of Louise, her eldest child, following the nation’s tradition.
The Countess planted a tree seedling with a plaque bearing her Congolese name to mark the visit.
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For the visit, Sophie Wessex chose a long red dress from designer Ghost London featuring long sleeves and a white moon and stars pattern.
The Aueline Dress, which currently retails for £38.70, is described on the website as a “romantic and feminine” dress.
“Need an effortless showstopper for all your events? Reach for Aueline. This crepe wrap dress features a bold star print and elegant shirring details on the shoulders and elasticated sleeves.
“Wear it with metallic flats or strappy sandals and prepare to be showered with compliments,” the designer’s website explained.
The Countess of Wessex combined the gown with a pair of cream pumps from British designer Nicola Sexton.
The royal is a fan of gold pendants and often wears her Cassandra Goad design for public appearances.
Sophie was seen donning the Love The Life Gold Quote Sayings Pendant which has a price tag of £865.
The yellow gold necklace pendant is engraved with the words “Love the life you live, live the life you love”, by Bob Marley.
Royal fans loved Sophie’s fresh outfit in the Congo with @eve_stark_hepburn saying: “Sophie looking fabulous here.”
The social media user added the royal was wearing a “lovely dress” and @goosegirlenfys commented it was “nice to see Sophie in colour again”.
For her first day in the country, Sophie donned a green tea dress with black and white flowers from the British-based designer Suzannah London.
The dress had three-quarter sleeves and a flowing skirt, and the royal accessorised it with a pair of small, gold-hooped earrings.
The Countess of Wessex travelled to the Republic of Congo to highlight the impact of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict.
The royal met with representatives from TRIAL International, a non-governmental organization which is dedicated to fighting impunity for international crimes in conflict, in Bukavu, South Kivu Province.
The Palace said in a statement: “Her Royal Highness’ visit will focus on addressing the devastating impact of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, while supporting and empowering survivors and tackling the stigma they face.”
Sophie’s visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is part of her return to royal duties following the funeral services of Queen Elizabeth and the mourning period.
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