Countess of Wessex stands out from the crowd in a jaunty wide-brimmed hat

A stylish Countess of Wessex was the stand-out of the late Queen’s wider family gathering at Sandringham yesterday.

Sophie, wife of her youngest son Prince Edward, beamed from underneath a jaunty wide-brimmed beige hat which perfectly matched her wool belted coat.

She completed the outfit with brown leather knee-length boots and an over-sized clutch.

The countess became the Queen’s ‘second daughter’ in the late monarch’s later years as the pair would regularly walk their dogs together and shared a love of military history.

Sophie’s choice: She opted for a beige wrap coat and felt fedora, with an envelope clutch and leather boots

The 57-year-old countess walked to church with her student daughter Lady Louise, 19, who enrolled at St Andrews University last term, and looked elegant in a blue fedora, coat and heels.

Her husband walked in with their son James, Viscount Severn, 15.

There were a clutch of Queen Elizabeth’s other grandchildren and their families in attendance, led by Princess Beatrice, 34.

She demonstrated the modern face of royalty as she arrived hand-in-hand with her husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, and her stepson, Wolfie, who tends to spend alternate years with his mother and father. The youngster’s mother is Mr Mapelli Mozzi’s former fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

Beatrice and Edo also have a daughter, Sienna, together who at 15 months old was too young to join the family.

The 57-year-old countess (right) walked to church with her student daughter Lady Louise, 19 (left)

Beatrice’s sister Princess Eugenie, 32, was also present with her husband, Jack Brooksbank. But, again, their son August, who will turn two in February, remained at home.

The Tindalls – Zara, daughter of Princess Anne, and her ex-England rugby captain husband Mike – walked to church with their two elder children, Mia and Lena, aged eight and four.

Zara’s burgundy hat and heels matched Lena’s coat, while Mia had a similar splash of colour in her headband. Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, was also there with his daughters, Isla and Savannah.

Prince Andrew also made a surprise appearance alongside the other royals, having previously not been expected to attend the service.

Having walked slightly back from the main group, he waved to the crowds and was seen to shake hands with one, although at least one other member seemed unhappy to see the disgraced Duke of York.