Duchess of Edinburgh to Meet Prime Minister Briceno

Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Duchess of Edinburgh, commenced a significant three-day diplomatic visit to Belize, arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport on the evening of November 16, 2025. She was warmly received by a delegation including Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam, Ambassador Amalia Mai, and representatives from the Belize Defence Force Honour Guard, underscoring the importance of her visit. The Duchess’s itinerary is packed with engagements aimed at fostering bilateral relations and supporting local initiatives. Her first stop was the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) in Belize City, where she interacted with the community and highlighted the importance of health and social welfare programs. Later in the day, she is scheduled to hold a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño to discuss mutual interests and collaborative efforts. The day will culminate with a formal reception at the House of Culture, featuring an investiture ceremony. The Duchess’s visit emphasizes key areas such as health, the empowerment of indigenous women, and the preservation of Belize’s renowned barrier reef. This visit not only reinforces the strong historical ties between Belize, a Commonwealth realm, and the United Kingdom but also showcases the ongoing commitment to shared values and cooperation.