The Countess of Wessex showed that archery was not quite her forte as she missed more than one target on a visit to Stoke Mandeville Stadium on Wednesday. Clasping her hand to her mouth and stifling a giggle, Sophie made no attempt to hide her shock and amusement as she unsuccessfully tried her hand at the sport. The royal was touring the facility better known as the UK's national centre for disability sport, which credits itself as the "birthplace of the Paralympic Games".
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie Wessex was said to have missed all but one targets
Taking her aim as staff and disabled members of the centre looked on, Sophie provided plenty a laugh as she struggled with her bow and arrow. Prince Edward's wife proved a hit with the injured athletes as she chatted with them after her failed attempt. "She stayed much longer than anyone expected and was really impressed by all the patients who showed her their skills," said Ollie Moore, spokesman for WheelPower – the national charity for wheelchair sport in the UK. Sophie, who looked as graceful as ever in a black blazer, white pencil skirt and a classic pearl necklace, then unveiled four sporting legends at the centre's Hall of Fame.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie Wessex charmed members of the Stoke Mandeville Stadium during her visit
David Weir CBE, Margaret Maughan, Eva Loeffler OBE, and The Hon. Mark Vestey were all given the honour of joining the prestigious list, for their extraordinary contribution to British wheelchair sport. "We are delighted that Her Royal Highness has been able to visit us to unveil these highly worthy new members to the Hall of Fame and also to see, firsthand, our work to provide sporting opportunities for people with spinal cord injuries," said WheelPower chairman Kevan Baker.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie Wessex revealed four members who were added to the centre's Hall of Fame
Over the years, various members of the British royal family have visited Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Prince Charles himself opened the centre in 2003 as royal patron of WheelPower.
Sophie entertains babies and kids at musical sing-a-longSophie, who is a keen sportswoman and enjoys running, riding, sailing and tennis, is royal patron to several charities including those dealing with children and disabled individuals. Her most well-known patronages include Childline, Brainwave and British Wheelchair Basketball.
