A devastated Sophie Wessex looked close to tears as she viewed the sea of tributes for her beloved mother-in-law the Queen outside of Balmoral.
Sophie shared a special relationship with the monarch and their bond had previously been described as like a mother and daughter, full of love and respect. Today, the Countess of Wessex along with several of the Queen's children and grandchildren attended a prayer service at Crathie Kirk before greeting wellwishers at the gates of the castle where the monarch died. In emotional scenes, Sophie clutched her daughter Lady Louise Windsor's hand as they walked past those who had gathered at the estate.
