Chelmsford Cathedral welcomes Mothers’ Union Worldwide President after royal announcement

27 February 2025

The event, which also drew together Mother's Union members from across the city and Diocese, followed the announcement earlier that day that Mothers' Union is to welcome HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh as patron.

Her Royal Highness visited Mothers’ Union project, English for Women,  in Chelmsford. The project aims to reduce the isolation 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. The project was created by Revd Heike Prentice in 2015 while she was training as an ordinand at Chelmsford Cathedral. 

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. During the event The Duchess also received a briefing from Mothers’ Union international team on its work supporting and protecting women in conflict situations.

"We are honoured that Her Royal Highness has chosen to join us as patron," said 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."

For more information about Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Chelmsford, please visit muchelmsford.org.uk