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Duchess of Edinburgh says tampons should be kept ‘out of the closet’

By Published On: January 25, 2024
Duchess of Edinburgh says tampons should be kept ‘out of the closet’

The Duchess of Edinburgh has said tampons and period pads should be kept “out of the closet”, as she sought to break down taboos surrounding menstrual health.

Speaking at a school workshop about menstrual health in London, the Duchess said that period products should be on display at home rather than locked in a cupboard.

Sophie, who had emergency surgery in 2001 after suffering an ectopic pregnancy, also spoke to the girls about period products and how tampon size related to flow rather than body shape.

She said: “If you were going shopping and your friends are going for the mini and regular tampons are you going to feel self-conscious saying ‘I need the big guns?’ It’s not because of the size of what you are thinking ‘Oh I must be really big down there’.”

The workshop, part of Wellbeing of Women’s Just a Period campaign, aimed to educate girls and young women about heavy bleeding and pain.

The Duchess, a patron of Wellbeing of Women, joined the workshop to discuss with pupils the question “what is a normal period?” and inform them about conditions, such as adenomyosis, fibroids and PCOS, as well as when and how to ask for medical help.

She was joined by Professor Dame Lesley Regan, chair of Wellbeing of Women and Women’s Health Ambassador, who led the workshop.

Commenting on the visit, Regan said: “We need to educate and empower girls and young women about their periods so that they can take control of this important aspect of their health and wellbeing from an early age.

“Most girls and women can expect to have 12 periods a year for nearly 40 years of their lives, so understanding an event that occurs so regularly is crucial.

“Too many women tell us that they only pluck up the courage to seek help years after first experiencing period problems. Early education will reduce unnecessary suffering for countless girls and women.”

She added: “I firmly believe that boys also need to learn about periods, so that young people are not embarrassed to have conversations about them with each other. Together we can end the shame, stigma and silence around menstrual health.”

Tanya Simon Hall, workshop facilitator and owner of the Adeno Gang, an organisation raising awareness of adenomyosis, said: “I created the workshops with the aim of educating young people on the importance of menstrual health. It’s imperative that women understand their bodies, how they work and when to spot warning signs that something is not right.

“The workshop is designed to empower young people to make informed decisions about their menstrual health and give them the skills to advocate for themselves.

“We aim to breakdown the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote a positive attitude towards periods.”

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