Prince Albert of Monaco

Sophie at a banquet attended by Prince Albert of Monaco.

Tape no. 08-03-06/1

Location:

Sophie, Countess of Wessex was at her most glamorous as she joined Prince Albert of Monaco and a host of famous names at a charity dinner at London's Banqueting House on Wednesday evening. Of particular interest to many royal watchers is the bewelled necklace Sophie wore to set off what was a somewhat daring dress thanks to its rather brave neckline. Although close to their European cousins, such as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, with whom Queen Elizabeth II has always enjoyed a warm relationship, members of the Windsor family don't often mix with the Grimaldis of Monaco. However, Sophie and Albert have met before, the Countess and husband Edward having been the Royal Family's representatives at His Serene Highness's enthronement' in November 2005