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FIRST SPRING ENGAGEMENTS FOR SOPHIE AND MAXIMA

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22 MARCH 2006

Two of Europe's favourite young royal mums were on radiant form as they carried out charity engagements on the same day in different countries.

Spring had definitely sprung for the Countess of Wessex and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, who were both presented with cheerful seasonal blooms at their respective engagements on Tuesday.

Sophie, thoroughly spring-chic in calf-high tan boots and an elegant cream coat, had opted not to wear one of her trademark hats for the opening of the Slater Centre near Newbury in Berkshire, which aims to provide training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Maxima, though, kept to darker shades and a neat winter hat for her day out among children with Down Syndrome in Rotterdam. The wife of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander clearly relished her part in celebrating World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 21. The 21st day of the third month of the year symbolises the threefold presence of the 21st chromosome, which is the cause of the disorder.