Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, shared an emotional exchange with Ukrainian refugees while in Tokyo.
The duchess and Prince Edward, the duke of Edinburgh, were in the Japan as part of a four-day diplomatic mission to the island nation on behalf of the Royal Family.
On Saturday, the pair undertook solo engagements which brought Sophie to the Shibuya Himawari and Kokorogoto social enterprise cafe in Tokyo.
The establishment is run by the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and evacuees in Japan.
During a particularly poignant moment, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed her hand over her heart and told the gathered Ukrainian's that she was “so sorry for what is happening” in their country.
Duchess of Edinburgh shared an emotional exchange Ukrainian refugees who have been living in Japan during her trip to the island nation
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Among those seeking refuge was Danyl Zagorodniy, a 16-year-old from Kyiv who has been living independently in Tokyo whilst his mother and father continue to reside in Ukraine.
The teenager explained his solitary circumstances to the Duchess, who responded with visible concern.
Sophie enquired: "Who cooks for you? Who does the household chores?"
Upon learning that he manages all domestic responsibilities himself while pursuing studies, the Duchess was noticeably affected.
Sophie was moved by her conversation with a 16-year-old evacuee, Danyl Zagorodniy
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"As well as studying? Goodness me. That's a lot for a 16-year-old," she remarked.
Evidently, the situation struck a personal chord with Sophie whose own son, James, is 17.
“Well I’m sure your mother is happy to know that you’re safe. I don’t underestimate how hard it is, so well done,” she added.
The young refugee also shared his ambition to pursue international relations at university which delighted the duchess.
1,500 Ukrainian nationals resettled in Japan now rely on the Mental Health Exchange Centre
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She happily explained her eldest child, Lady Louise, is currently studying the same subject as part of her English literature degree at St Andrews University.
While there, the duchess also took part in a Japanese calligraphy class to mixed result. The left handed royal struggled with the fluid style, surmising: "This is going to go badly wrong."
The cafe Sophie visited employs 15 Ukrainian staff members, offering newly settled evacuees an income and hospitality training.
Its co-creator, Iryna Makovska, explained that approximately 1,500 Ukrainian nationals have registered with the Mental Health Exchange Centre, a significant proportion of the roughly 1,900 refugees Japan has taken in since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
"For us it is a great honour that a big VIP is coming to support Ukraine," she said of the duchess’s visit.
The duchess visited Ukraine personally last year
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The Duchess of Edinburgh has long been a supporter of the Ukrainian cause, visiting the cities of Bucha and Irpin in 2024.
While there, she handed a letter of support from King Charles by hand to President Zelensky.
She also volunteers to help Ukrainian refugees through charitable organisations near her Surrey residence at Bagshot Park.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward pursued separate engagements during day two of their trip, focusing on environmental conservation and youth welfare.