SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

British Royals

A cuddle for the Countess on a moving day of memories

The Countess of Wessex found herself on the end of an enthusiastic bear hug as she carried out a day of engagements in Oxfordshire.

As she visited Charlbury Community Centre, near Chipping Norton, one of the children who had come to meet her jumped across to offer her a big cuddle. The Countess looked delighted as several youngsters hugged her tightly.

The embrace came as Sophie visited the centre to mark the Platinum Jubilee. She planted a tree during her stay and also cut a special celebratory cake, decorated to look like a Union Jack.

There was also a chance to speak to some of those working and volunteering at the centre as well as see the activities put on there for children.

There was a big turnout for the Countess who was making the first royal visit to Charlbury since 1896.

Earlier in the day, the Countess of Wessex officially opened the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum at the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at Shrivenham.

It was a poignant event for Sophie who was shown an exhibition dedicated to her great uncle, Noel Mellish, who was awarded the Victoria Cross as a padre during World War One.

Sophie’s visit to Oxfordshire also took her to the Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.