Sophie, the Countess of Wessex

HRH The Countess of Wessex, formerly Sophie Rhys-Jones (born 1965), is the wife of HRH The Earl of Wessex, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Their marriage took place on June 19, 1999 in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The title "Viscount Severn" was revived and added to her husband's titles at the time of their marriage to reflect the origins of Sophie's family (in the Welsh border country). Her full title is Her Royal Highness, The Princess Edward of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Countess of Wessex and Viscountess Severn.

Since her marriage, the countess has taken the name "Sophie Wessex" for everyday use. Since then, both she and her husband have been in the news for alleged gaffes in the course of their attempt to combine royal duties with their business careers. In Sophie's case, she has been accused of taking advantage of her privileged position within the royal family to further her work in public relations for example in the infamous "fake sheik" affair. In the autumn of 2001, she suffered an ectopic pregnancy. On May 6, 2003, it was revealed that Sophie was again pregnant, expecting a child in December 2003.

See also: British Royal Family