Special insights from an emotional trip with the Duchess of York

See Fergie in her 'absolute element'

Sarah, Duchess of York visited orphaned children in Romania who had fled from their home in Ukraine

Hi Royal Clubbers,

We have a very special newsletter for you today.

Our guest author and HELLO!'s Parenting Editor, Sophie Hamilton, was fortunate enough to shadow Sarah, Duchess of York on a very emotional charity trip to Romania earlier this month. During her two-day visit, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's mother met orphaned children who are now living in Bucharest, having fled from their home in Odessa, Ukraine amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

I asked Sophie to share her experience of what it was like to see Fergie, as she is affectionately known, in action and in her absolute element – offering kindness and warmth to the young orphans who are being looked after by Jewish charity Tikva, which means 'hope' in Hebrew.

She met children who are being looked after by Jewish charity Tikva, which means 'hope' in Hebrew

Sophie followed the Duchess as she toured Tikva's new children's home, school, and housing for its orphans, and also interviewed her about her genuine passion for helping others.

Here, Sophie details her trip with the Duchess. And keep reading for highlights from her interview…

On the road with Fergie

HELLO!’s Parenting Editor, Sophie Hamilton, joined the Duchess on her charity trip

It was an honour to join Sarah, Duchess of York on her visit to meet Ukrainian orphans at the Tikva children's home in Bucharest last week – a rare opportunity to travel alongside a member of the extended royal family and witness the inspiring charity work she does first-hand.

The mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie was warm and welcoming when I met her at the airport, as I travelled on the same flight as her, and I was immediately struck by her friendly and compassionate nature as she thanked me for joining the trip.