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 shirt by Chloe and dark purple trousers.
She wrapped up warm in a long grey Suzannah ‘Brodie’ 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

Prince Edward could be seen elbow bumping a man rather than shaking his hand amid the growing concerns of coronavirus. Pictured, Sophie Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward visit Mersea Island

A delighted Prince Edward crouched down after being given a handmade birthday card during a visit to a local community centre

Children held up banners to wish the Earl of Wessex a Happy Birthday as he celebrates his 56th today
Sophie, who recycled a Hermes necklace she wore back in February, was all smiles as she clutched a beautiful bouquet of flowers she was gifted by a well-wisher.
Meanwhile, the Earl of Wessex looked delighted to be handed a giant yellow birthday card from a young local, shortly before he opted to elbow bump rather than shake hands with a fan amid the growing concerns for coronavirus.
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 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 added a touch of glam to her outfit with a pair of dangling earrings, and wore her blonde hair loosely scraped back

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 Earl and Countess of Wessex could be seen grinning as excited locals got out their camera phones to capture the royal arrival

Sophie could be seen engaging in conversation with local children who lined the streets waving flags

The Earl of Wessex spent his birthday visiting a number of organisations across the county this morning and afternoon

Prince Edward could be seen bending down and reading a giant yellow birthday card he was handed by a young local

The Earl of Wessex clutched a handmade birthday card he was gifted by a local youngster as he continued to greet those who welcomed his arrival

A royal fan dressed in an outfit covered in flags put his left hand on Sophie’s shoulder as he engaged in conversation

The mother-of-two looked delighted to be approached by a royal fan as she arrived at a local community centre

Sophie could be seen beaming as she greeted hundreds of well-wishers who lined the streets in Mersea Island

Prince Edward looked animated as he clasped his hands together and chat with locals who headed out to welcome his arrival

The Earl of Wessex opted for a green suit which he paired with a blue and white shirt and yellow patterned tie
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.
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 looked delighted as she handled the food as it made its way through various processes at the renowned factory in Tiptree

The Earl and Countess of Wessex shared a joke with staff during a visit to Tiptree Jam Factory in Tiptree

Sophie looked the part as she donned an all-white health and hygiene suit, complete with matching hat and blue rubber gloves

The mother-of-two wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty as she was shown the food processes inside Tiptree Jam Factory

The Earl of Wessex could also be seen wearing a health and hygiene outfit, before clutching his hands together

Once inside, Sophie swapped her long grey Suzannah ‘Brodie’ coat for a white protective jacket and hygiene hat

Prince Edwards was all smiles as he celebrated his 56th birthday by visiting a jam factory with his wife, Sophie

The Countess of Wessex was pictured analysing her blue rubber gloves before she was shown around the factory

Prince Edward and Sophie had a busy day of engagements – which included a visit to Tiptree Jam factory

The mother-of-two wore a protective white jacket, but her peach Chloe shirt could still be seen poking out underneath

Prince Edward cut a cake celebrating his 56th birthday during a visit to Tiptree Jam Factory with Sophie

The Earl of Wessex appeared delighted as he was given a cake (pictured) to mark his 56th birthday today
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