Fashion

Sophie of Wessex tries her hand at fashion retail – and it’s the match made in heaven we never knew we needed

It's the latest in a string of forward-thinking moves from the Countess.
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Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has certainly had her work cut out for her since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but she couldn’t be more up for the challenge.

Over the last few months, we’ve seen the royal put her time and efforts into volunteering across various sectors, including preparing and delivering food, visiting first responders and sharing videos of encouragement for those who might be struggling.

Not only that, but the royal has done everything with her uncanny glowing smile and positive nature – so much so that one would almost think she might have missed her calling in the line of customer service and retail…

But lo and behold, it turns out that Sophie really can do it all – her latest foray into volunteering might possibly be her best match-up yet – working at a charity clothing op shop.

Earlier in June, new images of the Countess surfaced as she worked at a local store, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices’ Weybridge charity shop.

The store had just reopened after being shut down due to the lockdown in the UK, where Sophie helped out other volunteers who run the store day-to-day.

It was perfect to see the always fashion-forward royal help style and sort through clothes – she’s certainly one to be trusted when it comes to this sort of thing!

Sophie of Wessex helped out in a hospice charity op shop in June.

(Instagram / @sschospices)

Sharing snippets from the day on social media, the Hospice wrote: “It’s always nerve-wracking starting something for the first time, so imagine how student volunteer Georgia felt when she turned up for her very first shift at our Weybridge shop to find out she was going to be volunteering alongside our Royal Patron, The Countess of Wessex.”

The post continued: “As part of The Royal Family’s support of Children’s Hospice Week, The Countess rolled up her sleeves to help as we re-open our first couple of shops.

“She worked with Georgia to create a brand new window display and steamed some of the fantastic children’s clothes we have on display. As ever we are hugely grateful for her support.”

Wearing a simple navy blue sleeveless tunic with some white capris, Sophie, 55, looked as good as ever as she steamed clothes and arranged them on mannequins.

We’d certainly trust her to style us if we happened to stumble upon the charity store.

And it looks like Sophie has plenty of clients who’d happily line up – a number of people took to the comments section of the Instagram post to share their admiration.

“She had such a kind heart and had always gone out of her way to support the the children and others as well,” said one.

Another wrote: “I am thrilled Sophie is finally getting so much wonderful attention, which is very well deserved.”

Sophie is a quiet constant in the royal fold these days.

(Getty)

This isn’t the only fashion-forward move the Countess has made during lockdown.

Earlier this month, she stepped out in an unexpected camouflage dress as she visited staff and volunteers from the Prevention of Cruelty to Children charity.

The royal also spent the day working with the volunteers, helping them take calls and aiding with admin in the office.

“For many young people, the already challenging circumstances they were facing have been exacerbated during lockdown,” the Palace explained in a statement.

“Volunteers and staff, who are recognised as critical workers, have helped deliver over 2,000 counselling sessions a week since the outbreak to children concerned about their mental health and emotional wellbeing.”

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