Coronavirus royal scare: Sophie Wessex checked for coronavirus during South Sudan tour

Sophie, Countess of Wessex (Image: GETTY)

The Countess is the first royal to visit the country and will promote women’s rights during her trip. However, before being allowed into the country, Sophie^[1] was screened with a thermometer to check her temperature was normal. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Chris Trott, tweeted: “Very pleased to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex to South Sudan today, to support Women’s participation and efforts to prevent and address gender based violence.

“Like everyone else her first meeting was with a thermometer!”

South Sudan is just recovering from a devastating civil war that erupted in 2013, claiming the lives of at least 400,000.

During the conflict, women were targeted as a matter of course by fighters from rival factions.

The Countess will meet survivors of gender-based violence to learn about the impact that the civil war had on their lives and hear about the ongoing challenges faced by displaced women and girls.

While in the capital, Juba, Sophie will also meet female politicians and peace builders to explore ways of including more women in the actual implementation of the peace process and in politics in general.

Moreover, Sophie will get to see first hand how Britain is actively involved in programmes to support girls’ education, when she visits a local school.

The Countess’s trip takes place at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office during International Women’s Week.

Britain welcomed the formation of an inclusive transitional government (IGAD) on February 22.

JUST IN: Royal shock: Kate and William to carry on handshaking despite virus^[2]

In addition there will be study and resource centres, as well as a state-of-the-art health suite.

The Central School of Ballet announced it was moving to its new premises three years ago.

At the time Sophie said: “This is a momentous time in Central's history.

“Their planned move to Paris Gardens will allow a greater engagement with young people who don’t currently get access to dance classes, building on their activities with junior schools in Southwark.

“This organisation was founded on the principle that talented young dancers should get the opportunity to pursue dance as a career independent of financial circumstances or background.

“The new premises will allow the school to work with local communities to ensure this founding principle is followed."

References

1. ^{^} Sophie (www.bing.com)
2. ^{^} Royal shock: Kate and William to carry on handshaking despite virus (www.bing.com)