The Countess of Wessex has posed for a new official photograph in honour of her 50th birthday. Sophie, who will celebrate the milestone birthday on Tuesday 20 January, is pictured smiling serenly as she sits for the photographer Richard Young.Dressed in an elegant white blouse, mother-of-two Sophie appears effortlessly poised in the shot, which was taken in London.
ⒸROYAL HOUSEHOLD/RICHARD YOUNG The Countess appears happy and relaxed in the new photo
The photo shows the radiant Countess looking better than ever, which is no doubt partly due to her healthy regime of Pilates, riding and tennis.
The Countess of Wessex announces 50th birthday plans
Since the birth of her two children Lady Louise Windsor in 2003 and James, Viscount Severn in 2007, Sophie has keenly undertaken more exercise and has a weekly personal trainer at her Surrey home, Bagshot Park.
ⒸROYAL HOUSEHOLD/RICHARD YOUNGSophie will turn 50 on 20 January
Sophie's new photo comes two days before she marks her special day with several engagements in the captial. Along with her husband of 15 years Prince Edward, Sophie will first visit the Tomorrow's People Social Enterprises at St Anselm's Church in Kennington to meet staff and enjoy a birthday cake.Later in the day the Earl and Countess will proceed to The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to see demonstrations of the Avoidable Blindness Programme of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.