| Article continues below... |
|
| ADVERTISING |
Sophie Wessex has celebrated her 40th birthday by going back to school. The Countess, who reached the landmark age on Thursday, was treated to an unforgettable party by pupils and staff at Collingwood College in Surrey.
The royal visitor had her work cut out to keep a grip on all the balloons and bouquets of flowers she was presented with. But she had no trouble blowing out the candles on a birthday cake specially prepared by catering staff.
Sophie was visiting the school, which is located near her Bagshot home, to open a new sixth-form centre. Head boy Nick Ghiacy and head girl Kim Dales gave her an expert tour of the £5-million facility, but the Countess got some surprising answers when she asked a group of younger pupils to guess her age.
"It ranged from 18, which pleased me greatly, but the top end was 53, which wasn’t so good," she revealed. "But I have been reliably informed by the Financial Times that apparently 45 is the new 25 – so I feel great."
Later that evening she met up with other leading royals for a glitzy celebration in London's plush Lanesborough Hotel. And the Countess looked every bit the birthday girl in a red lace gown with funky feathered handbag. |
)
)
