Countess at the county show! Sophie dons a £1,000 skirt as gets up close with farm animals in Norfolk (and knocks back gin from a local distillery)
- Countess of Wessex, 54, is in Norfolk for first day of Royal Norfolk County Show
- She donned a red jacket and floral skirt from Erdem and wore Presidential pin
- Two day-long annual event celebrates agriculture with various activities
- Her husband, Edward Earl of Wessex, 55, was Association's president in 2014
The Countess of Wessex was all smiles as she stroked a horse shortly after arriving at an agricultural show in Norfolk on Wednesday.
Sophie, 54, opened the Norfolk County Show today and met with several farm animals in the process.
As she walked through the event, Sophie befriended a pig, petted cows and horses and got close and personal with a Norfolk Terrier. And although time was of the essence, she stopped to sample some gin and beer from distillers.
In spite of the muddied grounds and grey weather in Norfolk this morning, Sophie kept to her designers and sported a £990 floral blue midi skirt from Erdem and a cream silk blouse.
The animal made the Countess laugh as it tried to get closer to her under the supervision of his handler (pictured right)
Sophie (pictured) also got to taste some gin samples from other distilleries that are also taking part in the annual event
Flourish in a floral Erdem skirt like the Countess of Wessex
Between the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duchess of Sussex and the Countess of Wessex, we've got no shortage of stylish royals!
Today it was Sophie's turn to wow us, thanks to the chic outfit she wore to the first day of the Royal Norfolk County Show.
Sophie teamed her favorite Penelope Chilvers wedges with a blue floral midi skirt by Erdem, before finishing off with a blouse and red blazer. We love this smart yet summery aesthetic!
Erdem is renowned for its signature floral motifs and the label is well-loved in royal circles, counting both Kate and Meghan as fans too, as well as being a favorite on the red-carpet with A-listers.
If you're a fan of this pretty midi, then you'll be pleased to hear it's currently on sale at MATCHESFASHION.COM. Click (right) to make it yours, then complete the look below.
If you can't splash out, flourish in florals for less with the help of the stylish skirts we've rounded up below.
Sophie was all smiles as she petted a horse at the event, while onlookers peered on from behind a fence (pictured)
The royal completed her outfit with a pair of stylish £90 espadrilles from Penelope Chilvers that tied around the ankle and held a beige band in her right hand.
The mother-of-two - who has two children Lady Louise Windsor, 15, and James, Viscount Severn, 11 with husband Prince Edward, 55 - proudly wore her presidential pin on the left side of her jacket as she made her way around the event.
Her blonde locks were neatly tied back with a black hairpin to show off her statement pearl earrings.
As President of the association, Sophie will take part in several of the event's presentations and activities throughout the day.
Sophie (pictured) seemed particularly interested in the work of this man - or was it his dog, Gilpin, resting in the background, that caught her attention
The mother-of-two (pictured), who is this year's President of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, seemed in great spirits this morning
The playful animal let the Countess pet him in the first few hours of the Royal Norfolk show (pictured)
The 54-year-old also got the chance to meet one of the pigs on show, whom she gently stroked on the back.
Later, she sampled some of the gin on offer at the show and talked with some of the distillery's staff.
'This year will see a wonderful mix of food, farming and countryside with another impressive Grand Ring and entertainment line-up,' said James Hill, the RNAA’s new Show Director.
'Once again, we will celebrate the very best the county has to offer, from showcasing the best in agriculture in our community, to welcoming some of the finest animals, competitors, farmers, musicians, horticulturalists, producers and artists from across the county.'
He added: 'Entries across all classes of livestock and equine are particularly strong and trade stand bookings are almost full. Visitors’ tickets are available now with free parking if purchased online.
Sophie meets some of the cows on show at the Norfolk event as handlers wait to be introduced (pictured)
Dedicated Sophie met some of the cattle on display at the show (pictured) and talked to their handlers
A proud handler presented this cow to the Countess. Organisers have said 80,000 visitors are expected to come to the show this year
Sophie seemed excited to meet a friendly pig, which she gently stroked, during her visit at the Norfolk Show this morning (pictured)
The 54-year-old sampled some beer from the Adnams brewery, which is on show at the agricultural event (pictured)
Sophie's husband the Earl of Wessex, was the Association's president in 2014.
As many as 14 members of the royal family have held the owner since its first edition in 1847.
A very fluffy attendee: The Countess of Wessex pets Gilpin, a Norfolk Terrier at the show (pictured)
What a good boy: Gilpin, a local dog, enjoyed being petted by the countess during her visit to his owner's stall
Up close and personal: playful Gilpin gave Sophie a few kisses before she went on the to next stall on display
The event usually takes place for two days on the 26th week of the year, traditionally starting on the Wednesday.
Organisers are expecting 80,000 visitors for this year's edition. The Queen is the charity’s Royal Patron.
The Countess, who proudly wore her presidential pin on the left side of her jacket, listened carefully as she made her way around the different displays
Along with the pin she was given for being the President of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (pictured), the royal donned a silver cross necklace and pearl earrings
The Countess of Wessex (pictured), 54, arrived bright and early at the Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday
Stylish: For the occasion, Sophie wore a bright red jacket with a blue floral skirt. She accessorised with espadrilles and a beige bag (pictured)
Sophie could be seen leaning over a fence as she engaged in conversation with those working at the annual agricultural show
