Sophie Wessex discovered the welcome was every bit as warm as the weather when she paid a visit to the French Riviera this week.
The Countess was greeted by a large group of flag-waving royal fans when she and her husband Prince Edward arrived to kick off a festival celebrating cultural links between Wales and France. Each year the Cote d'Azur town of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer stages an extravaganza of classical music, with performances by the top talents from both countries, and pays tribute to the Duke of Connaught, who was a long-time resident and benefactor of the seaside resort.
And at this year's event Edward and Sophie were called upon to unveil a plaque in honour of their distant relative. They won't be the only British visitors to the week-long celebration, though, as local people are also looking forward to performances by opera singer Rebecca Evans, who hails from the town of Pontrhydyfen, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The Welsh Guards Army band, with their distinctive bearskin hats, are likewise due to put in an appearance.
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, with its sheltered beach and leafy promenade, is known as one of the Cote d'Azur's prettiest resorts. Dating back to prehistoric times, its 11th-century chapel and waterfront casino make it a popular destination with holidaymakers from all over Europe.
Photo: Rex
Photo: Rex
