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The Edinburghs

The Countess of Wessex gets into the festive spirit on charity visit

Sophie, Countess of Wessex

The Countess of Wessex kicked off December in true festive style as she got involved in Christmas theme activities during a visit to the Disability Initiative in Camberley, Surrey.

The 56-year-old visited the centre to take part in interactive sessions with clients ahead of the United Nations International Day of Persons with a Disability on Friday, 3 December. The royal mother-of-two was in a cheery mood as she wore a Santa headband during a music and drama session. During her visit, the Countess got crafty as she participated in a wreath-making session, adding hessian bows and ribbons to her craft. In addition to the music and crafting, the Duchess got a little messy in the kitchen as she joined in on chocolate sculpture-making to make her own robin redbreast.

The Countess has been the patron of the Disability Initiative since 2003 and is involved with a number of mental health charities around the country, including the National Autistic Society, of which she is patron and the Royal Mencap Society for which she ran in some of the virtual London Marathon from Windsor this year.

The Countess is known as a regular visitor whose support and encouragement have had an incredible impact on all involved in the initiative. Sophie has been known to make frequent visits around the time of the Annual United Nations International Day of Persons with a Disability. In 2020, the Countess showcased her baking skills during a visit to the Camberley Resource Centre by making 55 cheese and bacon scones. She also got into the holiday spirit as she joined in on decorating Christmas baubles.

Founded in 1975, the Disability Initiative is a charity that specialises in the provision of disability services to adults with physical disabilities and/or those with an acquired brain injury in Surrey, Berkshire, and Hampshire. The centre offers services in functional mobility, independent living, and pre-vocational skills.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.