10 NOVEMBER 2003
The Countess of Wessex and her new baby are both recovering well after undergoing an emergency Caesarean section. The drama began on Saturday night when Sophie, who was dining at home, began complaining of agonising stomach pains.

She was taken by ambulance to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey where the baby was delivered just before midnight. The little girl, who weighed just 4lb 9oz, arrived one month earlier than expected.

The baby was immediately transferred to a specialised neo-natal unit while Sophie remained at Frimley Park. A spokesman for the royal couple said the decision to take the baby to St George's in London was simply a precaution, and she is expected to be fine.

Prince Edward missed the birth as he was on an official tour of Mauritius. Upon hearing the news he took the first flight to Paris, where an RAF jet was waiting to rush him back to London.

"I am rather shocked at the moment, but delighted and thrilled to bits," he said after visiting his wife. "I have seen Sophie and she is doing well, though she has had a bit of a fraught time of it."

The Countess is still recovering in hospital and had just a brief moment with her new daughter before the little one was transferred to St George's. "We are hoping that one or the other gets well soon enough so they can be together," said Edward.