Sophie Wessex bonds with children on a visit to Malawi

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Countess of Wessex, 52, arrived in the east African country today
Visiting as Vice Patron of Queen's Diamond Jubilee trust
Will learn about work done to end youth blindness and champion young leaders
Looked elegant in black floral dress and smart jacket

Published: 09:26 EDT, 13 March 2017 | Updated: 10:24 EDT, 13 March 2017

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She's a devoted mother to her two children James and Louise, who have largely been growing up away from the spotlight.

So today was a rare chance for Sophie, Countess of Wessex, to show off her maternal side as she bonded with young children on a visit to Malawi.

The 52-year-old is visiting the East African nation in her role as Vice Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust to see the work being done to end avoidable blindness and champion youth leadership

Sophie looked business-like in a black floral dress and cardigan, even wearing flesh coloured tights despite the 25 degree heat.

The Countess of Wessex looked chic in a black floral dress as she arrived in Malawi for a visit in her role as Vice Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust

Sophie, 52, was greeted by young royal fans at the High Commissioner's residence

However, she did roll up her coat and carried it in her handbag after touching down at Lilongwe airport.

She was greeted by children waving Union Jack flags at the High Commissioner's residence in Lumbadzi and crouched down for a chat with her young admirers.

And she bonded with an adorable baby girl in a floral dress, who cheekily reached out to pat the royal on the face.

Sophie became patron of the The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust on her 50th birthday.

The Countess of Wessex bonding with a youngster who reached out to stroke the royal's face

The royal shared a sweet moment with a little girl who rewarded her with a smile

The Countess meeting with the High Commissioner in Lumbadzi, Malawi on a visit to the country during Commonwealth week

The charity says that she's offered 'invaluable support' when it comes to ending avoidable blindness.

She is also Patron of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight and is Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

It's a cause close to her heart as her daughter Lady Louise was born prematurely in November 2003 and was left with sight problems as a result.

The Countess sensibly rolled up her jacket and put it in her handbag as she arrived into 25 degree heat

Sophie was greeted at Lilongwe International Airport, at the start of her visit to Malawi to learn more about the work being done to combat avoidable blindness

Suddenly shy! The little girl came over a bit bashful after encountering the royal visitor

She suffered from esotropia - a condition which means both eyes do not look in the same direction. If left untreated it can cause serious vision problems.

In 2014, she had surgery to correct the condition, which her mother described as a severe squint.

It's understood that the procedure was a follow up to surgery she'd had as a toddler.