Duchess of Edinburgh shares heartwarming moment with toddler as she visits UNFPA office in Kyiv during tour of Ukraine

The Duchess of Edinburgh shared a heartwarming moment with a toddler as she became the first British royal to visit Ukraine since Russia's invasion. 

The mother-of-two, 59, visited the UNFPA office in Kyiv today, where she met with war victims.

For the occasion, Sophie looked suitably sophisticated in a £1,250 floral dress by the Italian brand Etro. 

After touring the premises, the Duchess got ready to take a photo of the group - and was particularly taken with a cheeky young toddler. 

As she approached the group, Sophie held out her hand to the boy - who was wiggling in his mother's arms.

Pictured: The Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, seen beaming at a toddler during her visit to UNFPA office in Kyiv today

Sophie then affectionately tickled his chin and ears before taking her spot next to the boy and his mother in the centre of the group. 

While they were posing for photos, the boy then leaned over to Sophie and beamed up at her.

Unable to resist the toddler's charms, the Duchess smiled back and mimicked his mouth movements back to him. 

During the trip, Sophie met with President Zelensky and his wife - and passed on a personal message from King Charles - as she showed her solitary with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and torture during her emotional one-day trip.

The mother of-two travelled in her role as champion of the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

It is understood she was 'keen to show her solidarity with men, women and children affected by the Russian invasion'.

The Duchess listened as survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, bravely shared their stories, as well as talking to female IDPs - internally displaced persons - and volunteers who help their communities cope with the trauma of the invasion.

She also met with children who have now been safely returned to Ukraine, after being forcibly separated from their families and deported by Russia as part of a sustained campaign to erase Ukrainian culture.

After touring the premises, the Duchess got ready to take a photo of the group - and was particularly taken with a cheeky young toddler

The mother-of-two, 59, visited the UNFPA office in Kyiv, Ukraine, today, where she met with war victims

And she paid her respects to those who lost their lives in Bucha, two years on from its liberation from Russian forces, and visited the 'Road to Life', a bridge which became a key part of the Ukrainian resistance when it was blown up to stop Russian troops proceeding to Kyiv and later became a vital route for people to flee to safety from the Russian occupation. 

It is understood she was particularly keen to show her support for Ukrainian women who have played important roles in the conflict and community recovery and held a meeting with female volunteers who help their communities cope with the aftermath of the attacks with mental health care activities for children.

Meeting with President Zelensky and First Lady Zelenska, Sophie discussed how best to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the women peacebuilders who have a vital part to play in ensuring Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction is effective and long-lasting.

Speaking at a conference last month, Her Royal Highness said: 'Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so bravely about their experiences.

'They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget survivors.

The Duchess of Edinburgh (R) donned a £1,215 dress from Italian brand Etro as she visited Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv alongside Olena Zelenska (L), the First Lady of Ukraine, today 

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, visits Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv on Monday in the first visit by a member of the Royal Family to Ukraine since the Russian invasion

A guide shows Sophie a model of the Saint Sophia Cathedral during a tour of the religious complex

The Duchess (left) visited Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv today alongside First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska (right)

'Rather, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn't an accepted part of conflict.

'Their rights and their voices must be at the heart of all our efforts to consign conflict-related sexual violence to the history books.'

Since 2022, the UK has pledged over £4.7 billion in non-military support to Ukraine. This includes over £660 million of bilateral assistance that prioritises the needs of women and girls, for example by funding vital services for survivors of Gender Based Violence, as well as working with the Office of the Prosecutor General to put survivors at the centre of approaches to prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence crimes.

The UK is also working with international partners to hold those responsible for atrocities to account.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh is visiting Ukraine at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

'Her Royal Highness this morning met the President and First Lady of Ukraine and delivered a message to them on behalf of His Majesty The King.'