The Duchess of Edinburgh has come face-to-face with the “king of spiders” in the Peruvian Amazon.
Sophie brought her hand to her chest, mouth and forehead and appeared nervous as she inspected the Goliath birdeater – the biggest tarantula in the world.
She looked at the large spider, which was resting on top of a leaf held by one of the professional Amazon guides, before handling the leaf herself and looking down at the creature.
The duchess was joined by guides Rey Mozombite and Daniel Macedo, who explored the dense forests and also took the chance to hold a green anaconda snake.
The duchess held the biggest tarantula in the world
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PA
Sophie is on a 10-day trip across South and Central America
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PA
Sophie then toured a gunboat built in the UK over a century ago.
She was shown around the BAP America, the oldest river gunboat in the world, while visiting the Inquitos Naval Base.
The boat was built in Birkenhead in 1904 and served in the Peruvian Navy’s Amazon flotilla, which has been on show at a museum since 2015.
The 60-year-old is currently touring large parts of South and Central America, stopping off in Panama, Guatemala and Belize.
Sophie was shown around the BAP America, the oldest river gunboat in the world
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During the first day of her visit to the South American nation, the duchess met with women from the indigenous Awajun, Shipibo-Konibo and Kukama Kukamiria tribes who have played a role in defending women’s rights.
She explained how the women have taken on leadership roles, contributing to territorial governance and tackling climate change.
The duchess then attended a dinner to mark the UK’s first year of implementing a biodiverse landscape programme.
The fund is designed for sustainable production and bio-business in the Andes and Amazon regions.
The tarantula is known as the ‘king of spiders’
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The duchess is currently on a lengthy 10-day trip across South and Central America, with the Foreign Office requesting Sophie’s presence in Peru, Panama and Guatemala.
Sophie will be away until November 19, as she focuses on encompassing diverse diplomatic and humanitarian objectives.
On the trip, the 60-year-old will meet high-ranking Panamanian Government officials, acknowledging the nation’s partnership with the UK on international issues, particularly regarding conflict-related sexual violence.
Her Guatemalan schedule includes observing civil society organisations that assist survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking.
Sophie will be venturing out across South and Central America until November 19
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Sophie will tour a charity dedicated to helping at-risk youth in Guatemala and witness indigenous-led conservation programmes in the Maya Biosphere Reserve’s isolated and ecologically rich areas.
The Commonwealth Realm of Belize marks the final destination, where Sophie will participate in Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations, recognising the nation’s cultural diversity.
This diplomatic mission follows closely after Prince William’s return from Brazil, where he attended the Earthshot Prize Awards.
Sophie was visibly emotional at the Remembrance Sunday service, standing alongside the Duke of Kent at the Foreign Office building. The Duke’s wife, Katharine, died on September 4.
The duchess was moved to tears while watching the ceremony at the Cenotaph.
Dressed all in black with three poppies, Sophie visibly wiped away a tear as she watched the service unfold.