Sophie, Countess of Wessex pets adorable spaniel during visit to Democratic Republic of Congo

The Countess of Wessex appeared delighted to pet an excited spaniel as she opened a newly refurbished community hub in Kinshasa while continuing her visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The wife of Prince Edward, 57, stunned in a chic neutral-toned ensemble comprised of white cigarette trousers and a russet orange top.

The royal teamed the look with a relaxed cream blazer and chunky platform wedges as she attended the engagement at Amani House, a centre for Embassy staff, at the British High Commissioner’s Residence. 

The Countess of Wessex appeared delighted to pet an excited spaniel as she opened a newly refurbished community hub in Kinshasa while continuing her visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo 

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The wife of Prince Edward, 57, stunned in a chic neutral-toned ensemble comprised of white cigarette trousers and a russet orange top

Sophie kept her make-up minimal with dewy skin and dark, accentuated eye, and was snapped at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the engagement.

She grinned as she unveiled the hub to those present, and was later pictured mingling with the crowd.

Sophie was also pictured with Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, as the pair posed for photos among Amani House chic new interiors. 

The royal swept her blonde tresses back into a ponytail, styling the front in waves for added volume.

It comes after the Countess yesterday looked radiant in a blue maxi shirt dress as she delivered a speech on female empowerment during her tour of the Central African nation.

The royal mother-of-two was snapped at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the engagement earlier today 

Sophie was also pictured with Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, as the pair posed for photos among Amani House chic new interiors

The mother-of-two opted for a £136 frock from British brand ME + EM as she braved the 30C heat.

She finished off her ensemble with a pair of elegant silver leaf earrings and some tan espadrille wedges.

Sophie kicked off the day with a meeting with ministers regarding the urgent need to address conflict related sexual violence – which has been the main focus of the Countess’ engagements so far.

She then attended a reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Kinshasa where she joined campaigners working across the country to uphold and protect women’s rights.  

Her keynote speech follows her meeting with NGOs in Rwanda – who are working tirelessly to working to address gender-based violence in the nation – earlier this week.

The royal, pictured chatting to attendees of the engagement, swept her blonde tresses back into a ponytail, styling the front in waves for added volume

She grinned as she unveiled the hub to those present, and was later pictured mingling with the crowd

The Countess also met with Prof Nshuti Manasseh, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Jeannette Bayisenge, the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion – amid other leading figures.

Sophie is carrying out an official visit to the African country at the request of the Foreign Office. 

Sophie’s visit is taking place in the run-up to the International Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative Conference in London next month, which is being hosted by the UK Government and which the countess will attend.

She publicly committed herself to supporting the UK’s work helping victims of rape, sexual violence and exploitation in war in 2019.

Sophie said last year that hearing survivors’ stories of sexual violence has taken her to ‘some very dark places’ during her work to raise awareness.

‘Every story I am told is pushing me forward. I feel obligated to tell people this is happening – it is their story to tell and I support them,’ she added.