It's not a drill: Sophie takes charge on visit to Oxford workshop
The Duchess of Edinburgh also unveiled a plaque at Ronald McDonald House
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Oxford today, with visits to a workshop and Ronald McDonald House in the city's John Radcliffe Hospital.
Sophie took charge of a heavy duty power tool as she visited RAW Workshop in Blackbird Leys.
The organisation is Europe's largest social enterprise and designs and manufactures high-quality indoor and outdoor commercial furniture.
The duchess toured the workshop, meeting the team from RAW Potential - the company's youth work charity - as she heard about their education services and met students at their work benches.
She also learned about the organisation's Harvesting model which refurbishes and recycles clients' existing furniture.
More than 85% of RAW employees have faced disadvantage, prejudice or barriers to work such as homelessness, addiction and mental health issues.
Sophie also visited the Windale Community Hub in Blackbird Leys, and Ronald McDonald House in the city's John Radcliffe Hospital.
She helped pack hampers and enjoyed a hot drink in a takeaway cup as she sat next to and chatted to those using the Windale community space.