Duty calls! Sophie Wessex wraps up in a grey coat as she joins birthday boy Prince Edward at a local community centre in Mersea Island
- Sophie Wessex, 55, cut a casual figure as she arrived in Meresa Island today
- Mother-of-two was joined by Prince Edward, who is celebrating 56th birthday
- Couple arrived at a local community school and were greeted by royal fans
The Countess of Wessex received a warm welcome as she arrived at a local community centre in Mersea Island today.
Sophie, 55, who was joined by her husband Prince Edward, who is celebrating his 56th birthday, cut a casual figure in a peach blouse and dark purple trousers.
She wrapped up warm in a long grey coat which featured large lapel detail, and completed her ensemble with a pair of brown leather boots.
The mother-of-two looked in high spirits as she and Prince Edward spoke with hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets with banners to greet them.
Sophie Wessex, 55, clutched a beautiful bouquet of flowers as she and husband Prince Edward arrived at a local community centre in Mersea Island today
The Countess of Wessex cut a casual figure in a peach blouse and lilac-coloured trousers, which she paired with brown leather boots. Pictured, with Prince Edward
Sophie was all smiles as she clutched a beautiful bouquet of flowers she was gifted by a royal fan.
The couple are due to visit a number of organisations across the county this morning and afternoon.
Their first stop was the Heritage Centre at Foulness Island, Churchend, and they will then travel to West Mersea where they will visit The Company Shed and West Mersea Yacht Club.
The Company Shed is renowned for its fresh seafood with the likes of Jay Raynor and Jamie Oliver saying they love the charms of this back to basics eaterie.
A delighted Prince Edward crouched down after being given a handmade birthday card during a visit to a local community centre
The royals received a warm welcome from hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets waving flags
Other children could be seen holding up banners for the arrival of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex at a local community centre
The trip will conclude with a visit to Wilkin & Sons in Tiptree, whose produce, including jams and preserves, are a favourite with the Queen.
Earlier today, the Royal Family shared sweet throwback pictures of Prince Edward as he celebrates his birthday.
Taking to the official Instagram account, the Queen, 93, paid tribute to her youngest son, sharing a picture of Edward as a baby in 1965, alongside Prince Philip, and a young Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew.
‘Happy birthday to The Earl of Wessex, who celebrates his 56th birthday today,’ the caption reads.
And taking to Twitter, the royal family posted a picture of the Queen explaining the details of the Trooping of the Colour to her youngest son Prince Edward at Buckingham Palace in 1972.
Sophie could be seen engaging in conversation with local children who lined the streets waving flags
Children held up banners to wish the Earl of Wessex a Happy Birthday as he celebrates his 56th today