Surrey children give Countess of Wessex birthday cake during school visit

Sophie was given the cake a day before her 58th birthday

Author: Ellie Cloute/PA ReporterPublished 20th Jan 2023
Last updated 20th Jan 2023

Children at the Connaught Junior School in Bagshot, Surrey, surprised the Countess of Wessex yesterday (Thursday 19 January) with a birthday cake, a day ahead of her 58th birthday, during her school visit.

Sophie looked delighted to receive the cake, along with bright yellow flowers, and was sung Happy Birthday by the children.

The Countess of Wessex visited the school to open the school’s new dedicated space for science, technology, engineering, art and maths.

During the visit, which is helping to mark the school’s 60-year anniversary, she also planted a cherry blossom tree and heard about projects that the children are working on.

These include projects relating to composting with waste food and ones which highlight the dangers of plastics on the environment.

Sophie was also greeted by Toffee, the school dog, who happily did tricks for her – including doing a high five and barking on command.

A spokesman said: “Toffee has a great impact on wellbeing at Connaught, alongside Bubbles the rabbit and Poggy and Gizmo the guinea pigs.”

Sophie was also given a plate made in the pottery room by a Year 5 pupil.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.