Radio Christmas welcomed Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, to the Centro Opp Mentoring Centre in Guatemala City last month, and Radio Christmas will broadcast her interview today, Monday, 22nd of December.
From the moment she arrived, the Duchess brought an atmosphere of joy, warmth, and genuine compassion. She took time with each child, offering smiles, encouragement, and plenty of hugs. It was clear that she was deeply moved by their stories and by the transformation in the lives of vulnerable children over our 33 years of work in Guatemala.
Her visit highlighted the resilience of the children we serve and the dedication of the mentoring teams who walk alongside them every day. Moments like this remind us of the importance of providing safe spaces, trusted mentors, and long-term support for children growing up in high-risk areas.
We extend our sincere thanks to the British Embassy in Guatemala City and to the British Ambassador for coordinating this special visit. Their partnership helped create an unforgettable experience for everyone at Centro Opp.
This royal visit was not only an honour, but also an encouragement to continue our mission: to ensure that every child has the opportunity, support, and hope they deserve.
The Duchess said, “My Christmas wish is for this place to go on and thrive, and for you (the kids) to find this a place of sanctuary, a place of opportunity and a place of love.” And she added, “I wish we could replicate you around the world, because you would change the world if you were able to. Thank you for doing what you do, it’s truly meaningful.”