Welcoming HRH Duchess of Edinburgh as patron

Mothers’ Union has had the privilege of enjoying royal patronage since its foundation in 1876, and we are delighted, as we approach our 150^th Anniversary in 2026, that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, has accepted the invitation to continue this tradition.

"We are honoured that Her Royal Highness has chosen to join us as patron," says Mothers’ Union Worldwide President, Kathleen Snow.  “The Duchess will bring strength and inspiration for the work we all do. We are especially grateful for Her Royal Highness’s experience and commitment to championing the most marginalised, particularly those who are impacted by violence and abuse in conflict, a cause we are passionate about, because conflict disproportionately affects women and children. As a woman-led movement, we also greatly welcome The Duchess’s commitment to promoting the development of women into leadership.”

Her Royal Highness paid a visit to a Mothers’ Union Project, English for Women, in the Diocese of Chelmsford. The project aims to reduce loneliness of those in local communities who experience language barriers in their everyday lives, many of whom are fleeing conflict or challenging situations. It provides safe and welcoming spaces where learners can make friends and build support networks.

Judy Halls, a longtime Mothers’ Union member and volunteer session leader with English for Women, values its network of supportive women. “The Mothers’ Union was created when women lacked equality, confidence, and opportunities. We’ve stayed true to those principles, which is why English for Women aligns so closely with our values. Often the women will start off hesitant, but over time they grow in confidence. Our greatest success is when, after attending the sessions, they have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the UK. That’s something Mothers’ Union founder Mary Sumner would be proud of, just as we are today.”

The English for Women project links closely with The Duchess of Edinburgh’s support of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, a United Nations initiative which recognises not only the impact of conflict on women and girls, but also the positive role women play in conflict resolution and building peace.