Countess of Wessex at Bexhill school

Her Royal Highness recently became patron to the children's trust based in Wrestwood Road. To mark her acceptance, Prince Edward's wife attended the garden party to meet pupils and the school's principal and chief executive David Cassar.

She was greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the county, David Waddington.

Chair of Governors Bishop David Wilcox joined Mr Cassar in welcoming the Countess, who was attended by her Assistant Private Secretary Major Bob Peet and Personal Protection Officer Sergeant Steve Mayne. They were treated to a Summer Concert in the hall before a buffet lunch.

The Royal visitor was welcomed into the school hall with rapturous applause and treated by pupils to a production of Anansesem, a folk tale from Ghana told in song and sign language.