The Countess of Wessex enjoyed a heartwarming visit to a newly completed Guide Dogs hub on Wednesday ahead of World Book Day.
Sophie, 57, visited the charity's Reading Hub Facility to learn more about the organisation's services for children, young people and families, including buddy dogs.
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The Countess, who took over the role as patron of Guide Dogs from Princess Alexandra in 2021, met children who have benefited from Guide Dogs' 'CustomEyes' books, where children's stories are available in large print to allow children with impaired vision to enjoy them.
The royal mum-of-two, wearing a black blazer, roll neck and a forest green Alberta Ferretti midi skirt, was pictured reading with youngsters, who were dressed up for World Book Day, which falls on Thursday 3 March.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie met Guide Dogs in training
The Countess, who is a proud dog owner herself, met some of the charity's pooches and trainers and viewed a demonstration. To mark the visit, she also made a clay handprint, alongside the paw print of one of the dogs in training.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Countess reading with ten-year-old Zannah
Sophie carries out hundreds of engagements a year in her role as patron of over 70 charities and organisations.
She has a wide range of interests, which include supporting people with disabilities, women's rights and opportunities for young people.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie made a clay handprint to mark her visit
On Tuesday, she and her husband, Prince Edward, carried out joint engagements, visiting Essex and Hertfordshire Air Ambulance Trust, a school in Harlow and the North Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre.
The Wessexes recently returned from a half-term ski trip in the Swiss resort of St Moritz with their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14.
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