A royal match! Glamorous Prince Edward and Sophie wear co-ordinated outfits as they attend Barbados state dinner

By Eleanor Gower

Last updated at 2:07 AM on 25th February 2012

With two young children keeping them busy at home, it's not too often that Prince Edward and Sophie get the chance to step out in their finery for official events after dark.

So the couple looked like they were clearly enjoying themselves in co-ordinated outfits as they stepped out in their evening wear for a state dinner in Barbados last night.

Sophie, 47, looked particularly glamorous in a floor length glamorous gown with a black ribbon with rose detail and matching shrug.

Royal glamour: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex attended the official state dinner at the Official Residence of the Governor General of Barbados last night

Royal glamour: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex attended the official state dinner at the Official Residence of the Governor General of Barbados last night

A diamond necklace, earrings and black clutch bag completed the look.

The Countess's outfit provided a perfect compliment to husband Prince Edward's black tuxedo, black bow tie and trousers.

The royal couple are at the Caribbean island on an official visit in celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee 

Meet and greet: The royal couple wore co-ordinating outfits of black and white, with Sophie sporting a long white gown with black ribbon and shrug detail

Meet and greet: The royal couple wore co-ordinating outfits of black and white, with Sophie sporting a long white gown with black ribbon and shrug detail

Standing to attention: The Earl and Countess of Wessex joined Governor General Elliot Belgrave at his official residence along with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

Standing to attention: The Earl and Countess of Wessex joined Governor General Elliot Belgrave at his official residence along with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

The dinner took place at the Governor General Elliot Belgrave's official residence on the island and is part of a whirlwind visit by the couple who arrived yesterday.

Prince Edward made a speech to the joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly yesterday where he told them that Barbados holds a special place in the Queen's heart.

'In particular, the progress Barbados has made in its 45 years as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations,' he added.

Sparkling: Sophie teamed her sparkling dress with a black shrug and diamond necklace

Sparkling: Sophie teamed her sparkling dress with a black shrug and diamond necklace

'She is touched that through all these years you have shown such loyalty and have steadfastly wanted her as your Queen and Head of State.

'Her affection towards you remains as strong and constant as the day, 60 years ago, when she acceded the Throne and pledged to dedicate Her life to the service of the people of her Realms and Territories.'

The couple have two children - James, three and eight-year-old Louise, who served as a bridesmaid at last year's wedding between Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. 

Good spirits: In Barbados to represent the Queen, Prince Edward and his wife share a joke at the dinner at one point

Good spirits: In Barbados to represent the Queen, Prince Edward and his wife share a joke at the dinner at one point



 
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Fabulous photo today in our local paper of Sophie hugging children at the Albert C. Graham Development Centre ( special needs), though you won't see that! They've only been here 2 days & have had a rushed time with school children, Parliament, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Presentation, etc etc as well as 'official' dinners/concerts....sure it'll be the same in most of the Islands, not a picnic for sure but we (most of us) are glad to see them here.

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With two young children keeping them busy at home ... you've GOT to be joking. (a) they're never home and (b) they have a house full of help. What a load of hooey.

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To those saying Sophie looks matronly, at 46 she IS a matron. We don't stay maidens forever, folks.

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What do this couple do? - David, Larbert, Scotland, 25/2/2012 18:11..........They represent Queen Elizabeth II and the monarchy and they do a great many personal engagements each year, together and separately. They are not perceived as "glamorous" or newsworthy so the media doesn't bother covering them. That does not mean they are idle.

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She's an attractive woman but this dress doesn't do her any favours.

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The black detailing ruins the dress. Other than that she looks lovely. I am wondering about the medals too? Didn't Edward leave the Marines before he saw active service? Correct me if I'm wrong.

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What did they do to earn all these medals they are wearing? - JD, GLASGOW, 25/2/2012 08:17 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> They was from It's a Knockout, if I remember rightly.

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Why is she wearing nude coloured shoes witha black and white dress - surely black shoes which matched her handbag would be a better co ordinated look.

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"With two young children keeping them busy at home, it's not too often that Prince Edward and Sophie get the chance to step out in their finery for official events after dark. "_______Yeah, 'cos, like, babysitters are SO expensive and hard to find these days, aren't they..........?

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Bored:-)

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