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Sophie has long been dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women around the world

The Duchess of Edinburgh is currently on a five-day tour of Zambia, where she has been championing causes including gender equality, climate change, and education through a series of engagements.

On the second day of her visit, Sophie, 61, took part in a hands-on workshop at Jewel of Africa, a family-run bespoke jewellery enterprise in Lusaka that has been operating since 1992.

The duchess had a go at shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone while learning about the company's craftsmanship techniques.

She was briefed on the firm's commitment to ethical practices, including its direct sourcing from Zambian mines and its focus on sustainability and responsible supply chains.

Tthe duchess visited Imvelo Studios in Lusaka, where she spent time with artists and survivors of gender-based violence who have turned to creative expression as a pathway to healing and empowerment.

Sophie, who has long been dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women around the world, also sat down with a group of leading Zambian businesswomen.

Their conversations centred on resilience and how to empower the next generation of women.

For the day's engagements, the duchess wore Soler London's 'California' Maxi Dress.

She accessorised with Giulia Barela gold-plated bronze earrings and the designer's Africa Ring as a nod to the country she was visiting.

During her remaining time in Zambia, Sophie is set to carry out engagements with the charities Orbis and Sightsavers, which will include travelling to a health clinic in Mukuni Village that is successfully running a programme to eliminate trachoma.

On the opening day of her tour, the duchess attended a reception organised jointly by Orbis and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

The event was held in advance of the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for November in Antigua, which aims to end preventable sight loss by 2030.

Sophie serves as a global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and has been a passionate advocate for tackling avoidable sight loss for many years.