Duty calls! Sophie Wessex spends her 55th birthday serving the Queen as she joins hosts Prince William and Kate Middleton at the UK-Africa investment summit at Buckingham Palace
- Sophie Wessex, 55, cut a stylish figure as she arrived Buckingham Palace today
- Spending birthday serving Queen at reception for UK-Africa investment summit
- Donned red dress which featured scallop detail and a pair of gold velvet heels
The Countess of Wessex, who is celebrating her 55th birthday today, cut a stylish figure as she arrived at the UK-Africa investment summit at Buckingham Palace today.
Sophie, who is spending her special day serving the Queen, 93, looked elegant in a red as she joined her husband Prince Edward, 55, The Princess Royal, 69, and hosts the Duke, 37, and Duchess of Cambridge, 38, for the occasion.
The mother-of-one, who enjoys a particularly close relationship with her mother-in-law, paired the bold dress, which featured scallop sleeve and hemline detail, with gold velvet heels.
She wore her blonde hair gently scraped back in a half-up and half down style and accessorised with a delicate gold watch and long necklace.
Lady in red! Sophie Wessex, who is 55 today, celebrated her birthday by attending the UK-Africa investment summit, hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace today
The Countess of Wessex paired her bright gown, which features scallop detail, with stylish gold velvet heels. Pictured, with husband the Earl of Wessex
Sophie, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, kept her makeup natural, adding a touch of blusher, layer of mascara and a nude lipstick.
Meanwhile, her husband looked dapper in a full black suit, which he coordinated with a white shirt and blue tie.
The UK-Africa Investment Summit, hosted by the UK Government, aims to bring together Heads of State and Government and senior representatives from African countries, key multilateral agencies and high-profile UK and African businesses.
The Summit will demonstrate the strength of the relationship between the UK and Africa, showcase and promote the breadth and quality of investment opportunities across Africa.
Sophie (pictured) wore her blonde hair loosely scraped up in a half-up, half-down style, and accessorised with a long necklace and dainty watch
The Countess of Wessex could be seen engaging in conversation as she arrived at Buckingham Palace for the UK-Africa investment summit
It will also highlight the UK’s commitment to supporting economic development in Africa, including through the creation of jobs and new partnerships.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will formally receive the Heads of State and Government and their partners.
This will be followed by a group photograph of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and The Princess Royal with the Heads of State and Government.
Their Royal Highnesses will then join a reception in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace where The Duke of Cambridge will make a short speech.