On November 17, 2025, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Rhys-Jones, commenced a three-day visit to Belize, marking a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic and cultural exchanges between Belize and the United Kingdom. The Duchess arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport on Sunday evening, where she was warmly greeted by Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño and Rossana Briceño, the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children. This visit, orchestrated by Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, is part of a broader tour across South and Central America. During her stay, the Duchess engaged with key initiatives, including a visit to the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired and the House of Culture. Her agenda focused on critical issues such as eye health, the empowerment of indigenous women, and the preservation of Belize’s UNESCO-listed barrier reef. Discussions also centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Belize and the UK, underscoring the shared commitment to mutual development and cultural preservation.
