Sophie Wessex joins Prince Edward for the Queen’s Birthday Parade in Gibraltar

Sophie Wessex looked elegant in a black-and-white ensemble as she joined Prince Edward for the Queen’s Birthday Parade in Gibraltar today.

The Countess, 57, arrived in the country earlier this week alongside her husband Prince Edward for the whirlwind visit as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The mother-of-two cut a stylish figure in a black and white ensemble as she joined the Earl for the event in Casemates Square.

The dress featured a distinctive black print showing horses, as well as illustrations of countryside landscape and castles. 

Later, she changed into a black blouse and long white lace skirt for a visit to a local school, before departing Gibraltar with Prince Edward.

Yesterday, Sophie donned a ‘Rebellious Hope’ T-shirt – which raises money for Dame Deborah’s Bowelbabe fund – as she joined Edward on a visit to the beach. 

Dame Deborah, who is receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer at her parents’ home in Surrey, launched the T-shirt last week in collaboration with e-tailer In The Style. 

Sophie, Countess of Wessex donned a black blouse and white lace skirt to visit a school in Gibraltar 

Pictured: Sophie and Prince Edward

Sophie meets a schoolgirl in Gibraltar

She was accompanied by her husband Prince Edward as she greeted schoolchildren

The visit marked the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, which was celebrated in the UK last weekend

The visit marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which was celebrated in the UK last weekend

Sophie Wessex looked elegant in black-and-white ensemble as she joined Prince Edward for the Queen's Birthday Parade in Gibraltar today

Sophie Wessex looked elegant in black-and-white ensemble as she joined Prince Edward for the Queen’s Birthday Parade in Gibraltar today

The Countess, 57, arrived in the country yesterday alongside her husband Prince Edward for the whirlwind visit as part of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The Countess, 57, arrived in the country yesterday alongside her husband Prince Edward for the whirlwind visit as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The couple watched on proudly as they celebrated The Queen's 70 years of service with the people of Gibraltar

The couple watched on proudly as they celebrated The Queen’s 70 years of service with the people of Gibraltar

Sophie's gown featured a distinctive horse print which showed the animals in countryside scenes

Sophie’s gown featured a distinctive horse print which showed the animals in countryside scenes 

Sophie swept her hair into a low bun and donned a cream and black hat for the occasion. 

Meanwhile the Earl was dressed in military whites for the parade. 

Last night, Sophie slipped into a dazzling blue evening gown with cloud prints and opted for a grey open toe-heel and glamourous make-up look for the evening activities. 

She added tied her blonde hair back into a glamorous up-do and showed off dangling earrings for the event. 

Prince Edward and Sophie were in high spirits as they watched the parade this morning in Casemates Square

Prince Edward and Sophie were in high spirits as they watched the parade this morning in Casemates Square

The Countess beamed as she attended the military parade earlier today alongside Prince Edward

The Countess beamed as she attended the military parade earlier today alongside Prince Edward

The Countess beamed as she attended the military parade  earlier today alongside Prince Edward (left and right) 

The couple are currently visiting the country as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The couple are currently visiting the country as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations 

Royal Gibraltar Regiment Military Parade took place this morning as Prince Edward and Sophie watched on

Royal Gibraltar Regiment Military Parade took place this morning as Prince Edward and Sophie watched on 

Sophie and Edward were welcomed by schoolchildren in red, white and blue today

Sophie and Edward were welcomed by schoolchildren in red, white and blue today

The royal couple are photographed leaving Gibraltar after a busy but short visit today

The royal couple are photographed leaving Gibraltar after a busy but short visit today

The school visit came towards the end of the day, which also involved a Queen's Birthday Parade

The school visit came towards the end of the day, which also involved a Queen’s Birthday Parade

Pictured: Sophie meets schoolchildren

Pictured: Sophie meets schoolchildren

Sophie greets schoolchildren in Gibraltar during a visit today to mark the Queen’s Birthday

It comes hours after Sophie wore the white top with a pair of shorts, sunglasses and sandals.  Dame Deborah previously promoted the T-shirt in a sweet Instagram snap with her family. 

Launching the T-shirts, Deborah said: ‘Creating these have really kept me going the last few days and I’m so proud of them.

‘I talk about this quote a lot ‘Rebellious Hope’ – it’s truly what has got me through the last 5 years and I have been blow away by just how many of you have been supporting and wearing my t-shirt design.’

She added: ‘I’ve been up and down over the last couple of days being honest but where I’ve had the strength I’ve been discussing ideas and we have decided to do these two final designs at your request and it’s fair to say I absolutely LOVE them!’

The Countess of Wessex put on a glamourous display in a blue gown for an evening event tonight just hours after she her support for Dame Deborah James by wearing one of the bowel cancer campaigner's 'Rebellious Hope' slogan T-shirts on an outing in Gibraltar.

The Countess of Wessex put on a glamourous display in a blue gown for an evening event tonight just hours after she her support for Dame Deborah James by wearing one of the bowel cancer campaigner’s ‘Rebellious Hope’ slogan T-shirts on an outing in Gibraltar.

Just hours after the show of support, Sophie slipped into a dazzling blue evening gown with cloud prints and opted for a grey open toe-heel and glamourous make-up look for the evening activities.

Sophie and Edward

Just hours after the show of support, Sophie slipped into a dazzling blue evening gown with cloud prints and opted for a grey open toe-heel and glamourous make-up look for the evening activities.

Dame Deborah, who is receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer at her parents' home in Surrey, launched the t-shirt last week in collaboration with e-tailer In The Style

Dame Deborah, who is receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer at her parents’ home in Surrey, launched the t-shirt last week in collaboration with e-tailer In The Style

The Countess of Wessex showed her support for Dame Deborah James by wearing one of the bowel cancer campaigner's 'Rebellious Hope' slogan t-shirts on an outing in Gibraltar

The Countess of Wessex showed her support for Dame Deborah James by wearing one of the bowel cancer campaigner’s ‘Rebellious Hope’ slogan t-shirts on an outing in Gibraltar

Sophie wore the white t-shirt with a pair of shorts, sunglasses and sandals

Sophie wore the white t-shirt with a pair of shorts, sunglasses and sandals

Surfer Sophie! The Countess opted for a 'Rebellious Hope' T-shirt as she joined in on the water sports

Surfer Sophie! The Countess opted for a ‘Rebellious Hope’ T-shirt as she joined in on the water sports

Sporty Sophie! The royal paid a sweet tribute to Dame Deborah James on her beach outing today

Sporty Sophie! The royal paid a sweet tribute to Dame Deborah James on her beach outing today

It comes hours after Sophie wore the white top with a pair of shorts, sunglasses and sandals. Dame Deborah previously promoted the T-shirt in a sweet Instagram snap with her family.

It comes hours after Sophie wore the white top with a pair of shorts, sunglasses and sandals. Dame Deborah previously promoted the T-shirt in a sweet Instagram snap with her family.

Earlier, Sophie was a vision in blue as she stepped out this morning to begin day two or her and Prince Edward’s visit to Gibraltar. 

The mother-of-two donned a blue day dress to visit the Moorish Castle Estate, where she and the Earl of Wessex, 58, were greeted by dozens of schoolchildren in uniform. 

During the joyous walkabout, Sophie was gifted flowers by local schoolgirls and was seen chatting with pupils and their parents. 

During this busy day, the Countess wowed royal fans with no less than three outfit changes, switching from her initial shirt dress into a floral number and later a sleeveless dress.   

The Earl of Wessex visited Her Majesty's Naval Base and met with Commander British Forces Commodore

The Earl of Wessex visited Her Majesty’s Naval Base and met with Commander British Forces Commodore

What a shot! The Countess of Sussex showed off her shooting skills with a bow and arrow during a visit to a scouting centre this afternoon

What a shot! The Countess of Sussex showed off her shooting skills with a bow and arrow during a visit to a scouting centre this afternoon

Laser focus! Sophie put all her concentration into the game

Laser focus! Sophie put all her concentration in a game that appeared to be an indoor variation of curling 

What a shot! Sophie looked shocked by her own skill earlier in the day

What a shot! Sophie looked shocked by her own skill earlier in the day

Sporty soph! The Countess of Wessex tried her hand at sport during the day

Sporty soph! The Countess of Wessex tried her hand at sport during the day 

A playful West Highland White puppy tried to snatch the Countess's finger during her walkabout

A playful West Highland White puppy tried to snatch the Countess’s finger during her walkabout 

For her day out, Sophie opted for an elegant tiered shirt dress ibn a flattering shade of blue. 

The number highlighted the Countess’s slim shape with a large white leather belt at the waist.  

Sophie paired the dress with sensible denim espadrilles adorned with white flowers, which matched her accessories, which included blue drop earrings and a white bracelet.  

The Queen’s stylish daughter-in-law was also seen carrying a raffia bag adorned with blue flowers. 

Sophie was put to work and was seen cutting a cake for the volunteers

She was also seen pouring some cream into a coffee cup

Sophie was put to work and was seen cutting a cake for the volunteers, left, during her visit. She was also seen pouring some cream into a coffee cup 

The Countess of Wessex was a real vision in blue as she stepped out this morning to begin day two or her and Prince Edward's visit to Gibraltar

The Countess of Wessex was a real vision in blue as she stepped out this morning to begin day two or her and Prince Edward’s visit to Gibraltar

Sophie later performed an outfit change to resume the walkabout alongside Gibraltar's Main Street

Sophie later performed an outfit change to resume the walkabout alongside Gibraltar’s Main Street 

Sophie received a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses and took the time to introduce herself to the pupils

Sophie received a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses and took the time to introduce herself to the pupils 

Her pair was styled in a practical updo, held by a pin at the back of her head. 

The mother-of-two was sporting a natural makeup, with just a dash of bronzer and mascara, however, she perfected the look with subtle touches of glamour, including a pastel pink manicure. 

Meanwhile, the Earl of Wessex looked very dapper in a navy blazer he wore over a crisp white jacket with blue chinos.  

Sophie seemed in her element as she introduced herself to the schoolchildren who had been awaiting her arrival. 

The couple were greeted by schoolchildren waving Union Jack flags this morning. Prince Edward, 58, looked very dapper in a navy blaser

The couple were greeted by schoolchildren waving Union Jack flags this morning. Prince Edward, 58, looked very dapper in a navy blaser 

Older schoolchildren were waving a large Union Jack flag with the Queen's Jubilee's logo for the Wessexes' visit

Older schoolchildren were waving a large Union Jack flag with the Queen’s Jubilee’s logo for the Wessexes’ visit 

Sophie could not resist stopping to give a special hello to a mother and her baby who had come to the royal walkabout on Main Street

Sophie could not resist stopping to give a special hello to a mother and her baby who had come to the royal walkabout on Main Street

She accepted a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses and blooms that was handed to her by the local pupils. 

The mother-of-two also stopped to greet local mothers and get herself acquainted with their adorable babies. 

As the morning progressed, the royal couple visited the Moorish Castle Estate, before heading to the mental health charity The Clubhouse. 

There, Sophie showed off her baking skills as she joined volunteers in the kitchen, where she served coffee and made a cake. 

High five! The Countess clapped hands with one of the local boys, who also gifted her with drawings

High five! The Countess clapped hands with one of the local boys, who also gifted her with drawings 

For her day out, Sophie opted for a flattering blue shirt dress cinched with a white belt, her accessories had floral details too

For her day out, Sophie opted for a flattering blue shirt dress cinched with a white belt, her accessories had floral details too 

Prince Edward was greeted by Gibraltar officials as the couple began the second day of their visit

Prince Edward was greeted by Gibraltar officials as the couple began the second day of their visit 

Sophie seemed in her element as local children coyly introduced themselves. Some were waving small Gibraltar flags

Sophie seemed in her element as local children coyly introduced themselves. Some were waving small Gibraltar flags 

Divide and conquer! Edward and Sophie kept to their side of the stairs as they began their morning walkabout

Divide and conquer! Edward and Sophie kept to their side of the stairs as they began their morning walkabout 

Mother-of-two Sophie gave a local baby a tender squeeze during the walkabout a she chatted to her mother

Mother-of-two Sophie gave a local baby a tender squeeze during the walkabout a she chatted to her mother 

The Countess of Wessex cut a relaxed yet stylish silhouette this morning, with denim espadrilles and a raffia bag

The Countess of Wessex cut a relaxed yet stylish silhouette this morning, with denim espadrilles and a raffia bag 

She later joined a crafting workshop, making cards with the charity’s other volunteers. 

Later on in the morning, Sophie performed an outfit change and swapped to a floral white and blue dress and nude stilettos before resuming her walkabout around the city with Prince Edward. 

And after meeting with locals during another walk around the city, Sophie delighted fans with yet another wardrobe switcheroo and swapped the floral dress for a light blue sleeveless number.  

As the couple proceeded with their tour, they visited the Gibraltar Special Olympics this afternoon. 

Sporty Sophie took part in a series of activities, and put out a fierce performance at the Special Olympics. 

She later met with local Girl Guides and Scouts at Gibraltar’s Scouts Retreat Centre this afternoon 

The Countess of Wessex put her travel woes behind her and looked stylish is a simple white dress when she arrived in Gibraltar on behalf of the Queen yesterday. 

Mother-of-two Sophie visited the Rock to see the Royal Gibraltar Regiment display its new colours during the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

The couple later headed to the charity Clubhouse, where Sophie helped volunteers with their crafting workshop

The couple later headed to the charity Clubhouse, where Sophie helped volunteers with their crafting workshop 

The Countess sported a subtle glamourous makeup, with just a dash of bronzer and mascara and a glossy lip

The Countess sported a subtle glamourous makeup, with just a dash of bronzer and mascara and a glossy lip

Expert barista! The Countess was seen pouring coffee from the machine like a pro under the watchful eyes of a volunteer

Expert barista! The Countess was seen pouring coffee from the machine like a pro under the watchful eyes of a volunteer 

Sophie sat down for coffee with some of the residents and staff at the mental health charity this morning

Sophie sat down for coffee with some of the residents and staff at the mental health charity this morning 

Later this morning, Sophie performed an outfit change and swapped the blue dress for a floral number she paired with nude stilettos

Later this morning, Sophie performed an outfit change and swapped the blue dress for a floral number she paired with nude stilettos 

The couple stopped to meet one of Gibraltar's elderly resident during a series of engagements this morning

The couple stopped to meet one of Gibraltar’s elderly resident during a series of engagements this morning 

Dressed in her beautiful floral dress, Sophie gave one of the toddlers who had come to greet her a friendly stroke on the cheek

Dressed in her beautiful floral dress, Sophie gave one of the toddlers who had come to greet her a friendly stroke on the cheek 

Got your finger! The Countess seemed amused as the puppy played with her hand during her Gibraltar visit

Got your finger! The Countess seemed amused as the puppy played with her hand during her Gibraltar visit 

A local child waving a flag got a little bit starstruck during Sophie's walk around the Main Street

A local child waving a flag got a little bit starstruck during Sophie’s walk around the Main Street 

A little girl stepped forward to give Sophie more flowers

The Countess of Wessex seemed touched by the attention

A little girl stepped forward to give Sophie more flowers during her lunchtime walk earlier today 

Sophie looked elegantly stylish in an off white short sleeved structured dress with full pleated skirt. 

She wore her blonde hair neatly, yet casually pinned back, and opted for subtle accessorising with small pearl earrings, gold pendant and two delicate bracelets.

It comes as the plane carrying Sophie and her husband Prince Edward was forced to make an unscheduled landing due to what was described as a ‘technical issue.’

What's so funny, Sophie? The Earl of Wessex and his wife shared a laugh

The couple regrouped at the end of their walkabout

What’s so funny, Sophie? The Earl of Wessex and his wife shared a laugh at the end of their walkabout this morning

The couple enthusiastically waved at the royal fans who had come out to greet them in Gibraltar

The couple enthusiastically waved at the royal fans who had come out to greet them in Gibraltar 

Both Prince Edward and his wife Sophiw seemed in great spirit at the end of their morning in Gibraltar

Both Prince Edward and his wife Sophiw seemed in great spirit at the end of their morning in Gibraltar 

The couple were on their way to visit Gibraltar to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee when their flight was disrupted at the last minute.

Alternative arrangements were being made for their arrival on the Rock, which took place safely later on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace said.

A spokesperson for British Airways said its plane ‘landed normally’ back at Heathrow following a decision by pilots to return after taking off as a precaution.

Edward and Sophie are visiting Gibraltar to see the Royal Gibraltar Regiment display its new colours during the Queen’s Birthday Parade, which were approved by Her Majesty.

Sophie was seen bursting out laughing while Edward gave the crowd a large grin this morning

Sophie was seen bursting out laughing while Edward gave the crowd a large grin this morning 

The couple were standing on top of a flight of stair surrounded by two large Union Jack flags and royal fans

The couple were standing on top of a flight of stair surrounded by two large Union Jack flags and royal fans 

Prince Edward had presented the colours at a ceremony at Windsor Castle in March.

It has been 25 years since the regiment had new colours. The regiment’s flag now bears the Royal prefix, which it gained in 2009.

The visit is part of the Royal Family’s ongoing tour of the Commonwealth.

Following their arrival, the Royal Couple crossed the runway to RAF Gibraltar where they were greeted by gun salute from Devil’s Tower Camp.

The Earl of Wessex then took the Royal Salute and reviewed the Royal Gibraltar Regiment’s soldiers.

Laser focus! Sophie put all her concentration into the game

She appeared to play an indoor variation of curling

Laser focus! Sophie put all her concentration in a game that appeared to be an indoor variation of curling 

The Countess kept a watchful eye on the athletes who had come to train at the gymnasium this afternoon

The Countess kept a watchful eye on the athletes who had come to train at the gymnasium this afternoon 

Sophie kept her eyes on the treadmill as one of the athletes showed off his gym skills this afternoon

Sophie kept her eyes on the treadmill as one of the athletes showed off his gym skills this afternoon

A great shot! Sophie showed she was skilled with a bow and arrow during a series of activities with scouts

A great shot! Sophie showed she was skilled with a bow and arrow during a series of activities with scouts 

Sophie met with local Girl Guides and Scouts at Gibraltar's Scouts Retreat Centre this afternoon

Sophie met with local Girl Guides and Scouts at Gibraltar’s Scouts Retreat Centre this afternoon 

The royal was put to work when she visited the scouts centre this afternoon, and shovelled this tree's soil

The royal was put to work when she visited the scouts centre this afternoon, and shovelled this tree’s soil 

The mother-of-two seemed delighted to take part in the girl guides and scouts' activities this afternoon

The mother-of-two seemed delighted to take part in the girl guides and scouts’ activities this afternoon

The Commander British Forces Steve Dainton & the Regiment’s Commanding Officer Lt Col Simon Dyson were present. 

Edward and  Sophie met members of the Regiment as well as RAF Station Commander Nell Doherty.

The visit of the was been delayed after their British Airways flight was turned back to London Heathrow this morning. 

The BA Press Office confirmed to GBC that pilots on flight 490 decided to return to Heathrow as a precaution due to a minor technical issue, and the aircraft landed normally. It was making arrangements for passengers to be flown to Gibraltar on an alternative aircraft.

Plane carrying Edward and Sophie forced to make emergency landing due to ‘technical issue’ 

A plane carrying the Earl and Countess of Wessex was forced to make an unscheduled landing due to what was described as a ‘technical issue.’ 

The couple were on their way to visit Gibraltar to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee when their flight was disrupted at the last minute.

Alternative arrangements were being made for their arrival on the Rock, which took place safely later on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace said.

A spokesperson for British Airways said its plane ‘landed normally’ back at Heathrow following a decision by pilots to return after taking off as a precaution.

Edward and Sophie were later met at Gibraltar International Airport by Governor Sir David Steel and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

They were due to move on to Gibraltar’s RAF base to be welcomed with a Guard of Honour formed of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

The trip is also set to feature a special Queen’s Birthday Parade near the 19th century British-built barracks in Casemates Square on Thursday.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ‘The Earl and Countess of Wessex’s arrival in Gibraltar has been delayed slightly, after their flight was diverted safely back to the UK due to a technical issue.’

A BA spokesman said: ‘Our pilots decided to return to Heathrow as a precaution due to a minor technical issue, and the aircraft landed normally.’

 

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