Paris Jackson pictured with worrying self-harm scars on her arm weeks before suicide attempt

She tragically attempted to take her own life on Wednesday afternoon.
But it appears that Paris Jackson’s cry for help may have started some time ago.
In previously published pictures, the 15-year-old daughter of late singer Michael Jackson was seen six weeks ago with a crop of scars on her forearm – which appear to suggest she has been self-harming.
Paris, 15, has reportedly been on a psychiatric ward for 72 hours after she apparently cut her wrists on Wednesday.

Concerning: Paris Jackson was seen with worrying self-harm scars on her arms just a matter of weeks before she attempted to take her own life

Seen on a lunch date out with her birth mother, Debbie Rowe, at the Fire Island Grill in Palmdale, California, on April 28, rows of scars could clearly be seen on the troubled teenager's forearm as she raised it arm in her a rock sign.

Cry for help? The teenager's scarred forearm could clearly be seen as she raised her arm in the direction of the photographer's camera

Seen on a lunch date out with her birth mother, Debbie Rowe, at the Fire Island Grill in Palmdale, California, on April 28, rows of scars could clearly be seen on the troubled teenager's forearm as she raised it arm in her a rock sign.
Lines of marks - typically associated with self-harming - can be seen coursing down the teenager's arm from her wrist and almost reaching her elbow.
In the light of Paris's suicide bid, it would appear that the teenager had been in need of support for some weeks in the lead-up to the attempt.
The latest tragic turn her relatively short life is somewhat unsurprising given the personal struggles she has endured over the course of the last few years.
Not only did the teen lose her superstar father prematurely when he passed away in 2009, but she has also had to put up with a great deal of criticism surrounding her recent reconnection with her birth mother.
Paris began rebuilding her relationship with her mother, who signed custody of her children over to Michael after her divorce from the singer in 1999, following her father's tragic passing in 2009.
However, her elder brother Prince, 16, is said to have been less than understanding about Paris' desire to reconnect with their absent parent, causing a rift between the siblings.
A source told E! News: 'It's been a very difficult time. Paris has wanted Debbie in her life... She's a young girl and having a female mother figure has been something she has desired for as long as she can remember, but it has caused problems in the family.

Worrying: The scars were seen as the youngster headed out for lunch with her birth mother, Debbie Rowe, at the Fire Island Grill in Palmdale, California, on April 28

'It has caused some problems between Paris and Prince. It's a very personal choice for both of them and they do not see eye to eye on it at all. But Paris has believed from the start that it is something that Prince will come around to, that he will change his mind as he gets older.'
The source added that Paris felt 'alone and confused' after Prince refused to 'understand her wanting to have a relationship with her mom'.
Paris' grandmother Katherine, who is currently guardian of Paris and her two siblings Prince and Blanket, is also said to have been unsure about the relationship being rebuilt but 'understands that this is what Paris needs and she would not want to stand in her way.'
In fact, the teenager's relationship with the Jackson family is believed to have become so strained that it was recently claimed she will walk away from her relatives and 'never return' as soon as she turns 16.

Mark Lester, who is godfather to all three of Michael's children, recently told Grazia magazine: 'I'm sure when Paris hits 16 she will take herself out of that Jackson clan, walk out of that door and never turn back. She will never go back. I'm glad she's got Debbie Rowe in her life.

'Tough time': In the light of the youngster's suicide bid, it would seem she had been self-harming for some time in the lead-up to the attempt

'It appears to be the case that each family member has a different agenda. You've got all the brothers and sisters taking an interest in their lives now. I think it's inevitable when they reach 16, or when Katherine dies, that they will say to the rest of the family, "Back off, it's my life".
'It must be hard for Katherine, being an 83-year-old having teenage kids running around. It must be very difficult for her stepping in as a mother when she was always granny, which brings us back to Debbie Rowe. I think it's a good thing she's coming back on the scene, perfect timing.'
A source close to the teenager said that Paris wanted to be free of her family guardians after suffering from depression 'for some time' and felt 'unsolved' following the death of her father in June four years ago.
It has been revealed that being surrounded by various members of her family and their entourage had made the teenager feel 'alone' adding that she 'misses her father everyday.'

Bonding: Paris has been getting closer with her mother Debbie Rowe of late, seen here together last month

Spotted: Paris' mother Debbie Rowe was pictured outside her Palmdale ranch in California on Wednesday

Paris even asked for 'emancipation' from her family at one point, according to the US columnist Roger Friedman, who has strong sources close to the Jackson family.

Causing a rift: Paris' reconnection with her mother is believed to have caused issues with her brother Prince

The court action would have given Paris control over her own life before legally becoming an adult at 18.
Friedman also alleged that Debbie Rowe, 54, Paris's mother and ex-wife of Michael Jackson, could seek legal custody of her daughter removing her from the Jackson family compound in Calabasas.

A family insider is quoted as saying: 'She’s a handful for the Jacksons. They don’t know what to do. Paris suffers from depression. She’s lonely, she thinks no one loves her or is listening to her. She doesn’t want to be controlled or told what to do.'
According to reports, Paris 'didn't want to die' when she reportedly attempted to take her own life on Wednesday.
The LA County Sheriff's Department will have to class the call as a suicide bid due to Paris apparently cutting her wrists and taking a drugs overdose, sources told TMZ.com that Paris' contact with a suicide helpline is an indication that the incident was in fact a cry for help.
A law enforcement source told the website: 'She wanted attention, she wanted to be saved. It makes no sense if you really want to die to call a hotline, where the person on the other end will get an ambulance over to your house.'

Siblings: Prince Michael, Paris's brother (pictured right) has pulled out of a German television show following his sister's emergency

Family: Paris, seen here as a baby with mother Debbie Rowe, father Michael and brother Prince Michael, is said to have felt 'alone' according to an insider

While another family source has claimed to Fox that it was 'not the first time' Paris had attempted to take her own life.
Paris's paternal grandmother Katherine, 83, currently shares guardianship of her and her brothers Prince Michael, 16, and Blanket, 10, with TJ Jackson, the son of Michael’s brother, Tito.

On Thursday, Prince Michael canceled an appearance on German television, following his sister's troubles.

The teenager was scheduled to make a guest appearance on the ZDF show Wetten, dass …? (Wanna Bet?).

'Under these circumstances, we perfectly understand that Prince Michael prefers to stay close to his family,' ZDF's Silke Blömer told People.
'We wish Paris the strength and the power to recover soon.'

Meanwhile, the producer of what is set to be Paris's acting debut has said she 'will be ready' to start filming soon.

Guardian: Katherine Jackson, (center) pictured with LaToya Jackson (left), shares guardianship of Paris with TJ, the son of Tito Jackson

If Debbie Rowe, 54, seeks legal custody of her daughter Paris, she could leave the Jackson family compound in Calabasas

Author Dennis Christen is producing the film Lundon's Bridge and the Three Keys based on his own novel.

He told UsWeekly: 'Paris will do a delightful job in her role... She's been concentrating on developing her acting skills and is becoming a very proficient actor.'
The website also reports that Paris was conscious and aware when the ambulance arrived, and put up no struggle when the emergency technicians placed her on a stretcher and took her to the hospital.
Following the reported suicide bid, Paris' family released a statement saying the teenager is 'safe and doing fine' and is recovering in a Los Angeles hospital.

Tribute: Paris and her two brothers taking to the stage at the Michael Forever Tribute Concert, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, UK, in October 2011

Upbringing: Paris told Oprah Winfrey in a rare interview last year that her father Michael Jackson did everything he could to 'protect' his children

Celebrating: Paris, seen her enjoying a birthday with her Michael Jackson, is said to her miss her father 'everyday' according to an insider

The statement, released by Paris' grandmother Katherine Jackson's lawyer Perry Sander, did not refer to the nature of Paris' emergency, but said Michael Jackson's daughter is getting the 'appropriate medical attention'.
It read: 'Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are. It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you her father. Paris is physically fine and is getting appropriate medical attention. Please respect her privacy and the family’s privacy
'Thank you for the outpouring of concern and support for Paris. She is safe and doing fine. We truly appreciate you respecting our family’s privacy at this time.'

Hospital drama: Paris Jackson, pictured last month in Los Angeles, was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning after attempting suicide

Paris' mother Debbie Rowe, who was pictured speaking to police on Wednesday outside her Palmdale ranch in California, also released her own statement, which read: 'We appreciate everyone’s thoughts for Paris at this time and their respect for the family’s privacy.'
She also reportedly told police that Paris has had 'a lot going on lately'.
Scott Miller of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said an emergency call was made from the Jackson family compound in Calabasas, California, at 1.27am yesterday 'regarding a possible overdose’.
Paris was taken out of the house on a stretcher at 2am and rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
According to TMZ, a source connected to the emergency response said there were multiple cuts on one of the victim’s wrists.

Spotted: Paris' mother Debbie Rowe was pictured outside her Palmdale ranch in California on Wednesday

Police visit: The cops called around to the house to speak to Debbie about Paris' suicide bid

Alert: A police car is seen parked up outside the ranch earlier on Wednesday

Dark: Hours earlier Paris tweeted a series of alarming messages on Twitter, quoting the sorrowful Beatles song Yesterday

The reasons behind Paris' call for help reportedly stemmed from her being 'overwhelmed’ with sadness over the loss of her superstar father, according a friend of the Jackson family.
She is also in the middle of doing her exams at school and is anxious over her looming appearance in court in Los Angeles where she is due to testify in a trial connected with Jackson’s fatal overdose on June 25, 2009.
In addition, sources said she was upset at not being allowed to go to a concert by goth rocker Marilyn Manson.
She 'threw a fit’ after being told she couldn’t attend the concert on a school night and reportedly ran into her room screaming and slammed the door.
However, a source scoffed at the idea that the teen would resort to suicide over missing a concert, telling the New York Daily News: 'She’s very outgoing and has been spending time lately with Debbie and the animals. This is more just a kid acting out.’
On Thursday after learning about the incident Manson said in a message intended for Paris: 'I hope you feel better. You will be on my guest list anytime you want.'

Jackson compound: Paris was stretchered out from her Calabasas home to hospital at around 2am on Wednesday

Recovering: Paris is believed to be at the West Hills Medical Center recuperating and is said to to be 'doing ok'

The drama unfolded just hours after the teenager posted a series of alarming messages on Twitter.
At around midnight on Tuesday, she recited the sorrowful Beatles song Yesterday to her million plus followers, writing: 'Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away, now it looks as though they’re here to stay.’ An hour previously, she posted: 'I wonder why tears are salty.’
The backdrop to her Twitter page shows Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, painted while the artist was in a mental asylum in Saint-Remy, France.
The teen has posted a series of dark messages on Twitter over recent months.
In May she saluted Goth rocker Manson on her Twitter page, writing: 'Hey evil world,' while in another from that month she refers to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994, as 'Jesus.'
In May she saluted Goth rocker Manson on her Twitter page, writing: 'Hey evil world,' while in another from that month she refers to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994, as 'Jesus.'
In another angst-ridden tweet in February she hinted at heartache over a failed relationship, exclaiming: 'Here's to teenage romances and never knowing why they hurt like hell.'

 

Paris Jackson rushed to hospital after apparent suicide attempt

Teenage woes: Paris seen here during a recent web chat where she gave fans make-up tips

Jackson, who died in June 2009 from a lethal dose of surgical anaesthetic propofol, was married to Rowe from 1996 to 1999.

Devestated: Paris with her aunt Janet during the memorial service held for her father in Los Angeles in 2009

Rowe, 54, met Michael when she was a nurse for Dr Arnold Klein, the singer’s dermatologist. The pair had two children together, Prince Michael, now 16, in 1997 and Paris in 1998. Jackson later had a third child, Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket, who is ten.
Rowe turned over full custody of the children to Jackson as part of their divorce but she had recently rekindled her relationship with Paris. Rowe wouldn’t comment further on the incident yesterday.

'We appreciate everyone’s thoughts for Paris at this time and their respect for the family’s privacy,’ said her lawyer Eric George.
In recent weeks, the youngster's tweets have grown increasingly dark. On June 1, Paris tweeted: 'Every time i try to distract myself it never works and i end up making the same mistake i make every single night.’
The following day she wrote: 'I hate studying alone. i can’t focus…like i just tried studying and now i’m on twitter.’
'Don’t listen to a word i say the screams all sound the same,’ she tweeted on Monday from the song Little Talks by Of Monsters And Men.

On Sunday, she quoted the lyrics from a Zee Avi song Concrete Wall – 'You say I need therapy, well, my darling, so do you. Don’t need for you to tell me what is wrong in all I say or do.’

King Of Pop: Michael Jackson seen with daughter Paris in 2005 in London, four years before his death

The years since Jackson’s death have been anything but tranquil for the star’s children as they have faced one drama after another. Last year, the turmoil broke into the open when Paris and her two brothers were ambushed by the singer’s siblings and separated from their grandmother.
Panicked by the infighting, Paris tweeted at the time, 'my grandmother is missing. i haven’t spoken with her in a week i want her home now.’
It later emerged that Katherine was taken to her oldest daughter Rebbe’s home in Arizona.
Friends said Paris has been battling depression since her father’s sudden death. 'It’s very real and very sad. She has been extremely depressed and not been able to sleep lately, staying up all night,’ an insider told Us magazine. 'She misses her dad constantly and has acted out.’
Paris is listed as a potential witness in a £26.5billion lawsuit currently being brought by the Jackson family against AEG Live – the promoters behind her father’s doomed London O2 comeback tour.
The wrongful death suit, launched by Katherine Jackson and her three grandchildren, says the singer died from an overdose of prescription drugs after a punishing schedule of rehearsals prior to the tour.
Now in its sixth week, the trial has resurrected upsetting details surrounding the death, including the star’s dependence on drugs and his frail condition at the time of his death.

Bloodied and bruised schoolgirl, 13, when she had 48 stitches to her face after being attacked by a German

With a large scar and heavy bruising, schoolgirl Meghan Reynolds can be thankful that she is still alive.
The 13-year-old was enjoying an evening in a Sunderland park when a German Shepherd savagely attacked her.
With the youngster lying on the floor, the dog - which was being held by its owner on a long lead - began viciously biting her face.

Bruised: Meghan Reynolds, 13, needed 48 stitches after being savaged by a German Shepherd in Sunderland's Herrington Country Park

As the dog's owner forced his pet to let go, witnesses rushed to help the youngster.
She was eventually taken to hospital after a member of the public flagged down a passing police car - because an ambulance had still not arrived 40 minutes after the emergency call was made.
Meghan had to endure almost four hours of surgery following the attack in Herrington Country Park.

The brutal injuries resulted in the brave teenager needed 48 stitches to her face .
She said: 'It's a bit of a blur. I was with my friends, and one of them stroked the dog.
'The next I knew, it had grabbed me and I was on the floor with the dog attacking my face.'
Passers-by rushed to the youngster's aid, pressing a hoodie against the wound to stem the bleeding.

Upsetting: The teenager had to endure almost four hours of surgery following the savage attack . She is pictured with her mother Carol

Police officers drove Meghan to Sunderland Royal Hospital where her frantic mum Carol Reynolds was waiting.
The mum-of-five, from Grindon, said: 'I got a phone call at about 7pm, and I just went straight down to the hospital, but no one knew what was happening because the ambulance hadn't turned up. I was in a terrible state. It was horrendous.'
The attack happened on Friday evening after Meghan had been to a barbecue at a friend's house.
The owners of the dog, which has since been put down, are devastated by what happened and no one can understand why the animal, which has happily lived with children, turned on Meghan.
The plucky teenager said: 'It is a good thing it happened to me or it could have been a little child.
'The owner was really lovely. She sat holding me until the police car came and took me to hospital, and has sent me gifts and a card.'
Doctors won't be able to tell the extent to which Meghan will be scarred until all the swelling on her face has gone down.
Full-time mum, Carol, 38, who also has three sons, Connor, 17, Jack, 14, Michael, 11, and daughter, Jessica, seven, said: 'Meghan has been so amazing throughout it all. She hasn't cried once.
'You just never imagine anything like this happening.'
Grandfather George Reynolds, 62, who lives in Washington, said: 'We want to highlight this as a warning to others about what can happen, and for owners to be extra careful.'
A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service said: 'We are very sorry for the delay at what must have been a terrifying experience for Meghan and her family.
'At the time of the incident, we had a very high volume of 17 calls to emergencies where the life of the person was in danger.'

Sexy Victoria Kimani set to sizzle

So much in love with BigbrotherAfrica  sooo cool

Set to sizzle the Big Brother Africa Live Show stage this Sunday is none other than Kenyan popstar Victoria Kimani.

Her performance comes hot on the heels of her nomination as the Most Promising Female Act at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, taking place in New York city later this year.

The young Kenyan lass has been burning up the African music charts with her singles "Mtoto" and “Oya”. The latter was just recently released and features her fellow Chocolate City label-mate MI Abaga.

The ever busy singer/songwriter splits her time between Kenya, Nigeria, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Her impressive résumé includes collaborations with international artists such as Busta Rhymes, Marlon Winans, Chris Brown, Cassie, A.I (from Japan), DJ Green Lantern and Diggy Simmons among others.

Catch the Live Show this Sunday on DStv channels 197 and 198 at 20:00 CAT.

Joselyn Dumas

Joselyn Dumas

New look on African Woman Magazine feature

Allow Gays Sexual Freedom In Ghana

A Ghanaian Associate Professor at the University of South Florida has likened sexual orientation to immutable characteristics such as race or gender. Dr. Edward argues that sexual orientation is no more considered a lifestyle choice, adding that homosexuals are today seen as legitimate groups whose inalienable human rights are to be accorded. he made these remarks at a seminar on the topic: Human Rights and the Debate over Dignity and Social Order in Africa at the University of Ghana on Wednesday June 5, 2013. He said human rights issues have expanded since the later part of the 20th century and called on Africans to adapt to the changing global   so bad

Artist immortalises Kim Kardashian's nude pregnant body

She's never been one to shy away from showing her body.
But an LA artist's new creation may be a step too far for even fame-hungry Kim Kardashian.
The pregnant reality star's nude form has been preserved in all it's glory by celebrity artist Daniel Edwards.

Immortalised: Kim Kardashian's pregnant form was sculpted by celebrity artist Daniel Edwards for his show L.A. Fertility opening in Los Angeles at the LAB Art Gallery, on Wednesday

Eye of the beholder: The artist says he finds Kim's full figure and curves to be 'the ultimate symbol of fertility'

The sculptor's new show L.A. Fertility features a life size nude of Kim - and the artist's imagined version of her unborn foetus.
The art pieces debut in Los Angeles at the LAB Art Gallery, on Wednesday, and visitors are encouraged to 'give a respectful rub' on Kim's baby bump for 'good luck and success'.

The statue, which boasts 'lactiferous breasts' and a 'voluminous' belly, according to the artist's press release was inspired by Edwards desire to change peoples minds about the female form.

Admirer: Edwards stated he was 'put-off by the media's criticism' of Kim's 'weight gain during pregnancy', the reality star pictured in Los Angeles, in May

L.A. fertility: The buff features 'lactiferous breasts' and a 'voluminous' belly to entice art-goers to rub Kim's baby bump, according to the artist

'I was inspired by the beauty of Kim Kardashian and felt quite put-off by the media’s criticism of her weight gain during pregnancy,' Edwards said on his website.
Adding: 'Such criticism should be off limits.'
The artist went on to explain to Los Angeles Magazine: 'People tend to look at the parts, like the creases in her armpits, or how she wore a dress that makes her look like a killer whale.
'I'm stripping it of the details people get stuck on, so they can see the beauty.'

Premonitory exhibition: The show includes a pre-natal portrait of Kate Middleton and Prince William's child wearing a crown (L) as well as a bronze of Kim and Kanye's baby (R) in utero

Replica: Edwards posed for a snap cradling his depiction of Kim and Kanye West's unborn fetus as he struck a pose next to his pregnant statue

But he also wants art goers to get a tactile feel for his homage, saying he wanted visitors to rub Kim's belly in a kind of 'reference to Buddha' as he sees the Kardashian as 'the ultimate symbol of fertility'.

The exhibit also features a bronze of Edwards' imagining of Kim and Kanye West's foetus and is joined by another in utero portrait of Kate Middleton and Prince William's unborn child - wearing the crown Queen Elizabeth wore as a princess
The artist's publicist stated: 'We live in a media-absorbed culture where anyone can access and share a celebrity's most intimate moments.
'Daniel visually captures that intimacy.'

Glamour shot: Kim posted a selfie to Instagram on the day of the art opening with the caption 'Side parting it today'

Bejewelled: Edwards adorned his creation with a headpiece and earrings

Edwards first shot to fame for his controversial statue of Britney Spears giving birth to her son Sean Preston as she crouched naked on a bear skin rug, in 2006.
Some of his other famous works include a bronze nude of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, still teenagers at the time, with a Canadian maple leaf and a Texas lone star covering their most intimate parts, in 2011.
And in 2009, he made a statue of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in a lovers' embrace titled simply Brangelina.

Attention stealer: The artist first came to prominence with a 2006 sculpture of a nude Britney Spears giving birth on a bearskin rug

 

Birthday girl Mollie King shows her svelte side in revealing sheer panel dress as she leads The Saturdays at Glamour Women of the Year Awards

Mollie King unceremoniously stole the spotlight from the rest of her bandmates as she headed out on Tuesday evening.

The Saturdays star stood out as she led the way at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards Reception, held at Berkeley Square Gardens in a red dress.

The 26-year-old was easily the centre of attention, but in fairness she was celebrating her birthday at the event and so could be forgiven for trying to be the focal point.
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Red alert: Mollie King stood out in her red dress as she attended the Glamour Awards Reception on Tuesday with The Saturdays

Sheer star: Mollie's dress gave the impression that she was bearing a lot of skin

Mollie slipped her curves into a rather revealing red dress that gave the impression of showing off a lot of skin.

 

From a distance the singer looked like she was dangerously close to suffering a wardrobe malfunction as her frock was cut suggestively around her decolletage.

However, on closer inspection she was saved from any blushes by a sheer material covering her from all angles.

Well covered: On closer inspection Mollie's revealing dress featured a protective sheer layer to save her blushes 

 

The birthday girl: Mollie was celebrating one more year as she attended the awards

Her best side: The birthday girl certainly stood out as she arrived with bandmates Vanessa White, Una Healy and Frankie Sandford

The day had gone well for the birthday girl and she thanked all of her well wishers on Twitter for their messages.

She tweeted: 'Thank you so much for all the lovely bday messages! I’m having the best day so far & the sun has even come out! Bring on more fun tonight x'.
Mollie's interesting red satin dress proved quite a handful for her as she had to pick up the small train whenever she wanted to walk around.

Fashion wars: Mollie was given some stiff competition from Vanessa who opted for a short and low-cut number

Look at me: Vanessa did her best to compete for attention with big 1990s hair and a very low cut dress

In contrast Vanessa White had no such manoeuvring problems as she showed off her legs in a short black dress.

The 23-year-old was looking ravishing as she dared to bare a large portion of her cleavage in a very low-cut V-neck dress that was covered in sequins.

With her dark brunette hair given some serious volume to achieve a 1980s style, she gave Mollie a good run for her money in the fashion stakes.
Flaming red head Una Healy dressed responsibly in a purple strapless dress that also featured some eye-catching sequined patterns.

Elegance and grace: Una Healy and Frankie Sandford gave a lesson in how to dress

Strike a pose: The girls, minus Rochelle Wiseman, opted for very different looks at the awards

Their chariot awaits: Vanessa and Mollie chatted as they were driven to the awards show

The 31-year-old may not have been standing out in her gown, but she easily looked the best with her curled hair and effortless beauty.

Pregnant Frankie Sandford also attended despite having complained recently about her changing wardrobe due to her impending baby.

The brunette hid her baby bump underneath a plain black dress that featured a sheer panel around the lower leg area.
According to the Daily Star she recently said: 'It's making me really impatient, I just want it to be out now. I've even had to start wearing lower heels'.

Front and centre: Despite Mollie's red dress, Vanessa was impossible to ignore in her revealing frock

Sophie Wessex is a windswept vision in white as she arrives at the Queen's coronation celebrations

London's notoriously windy weather almost got the better of the Countess of Wessex as she arrived at Westminster Abbey for the Queen's coronation celebrations.
Sporting a stunning white lace dress with a scalloped hem by favourite designer, Bruce Oldfield, and a beautiful white picture hat by milliner, Jane Taylor, the Countess looked elegant, although she struggled to keep her headgear in place.
But despite the unhelpful breeze, the wife of Prince Edward looked in good spirits as she made her way into the cathedral alongside her cheerfully grinning husband.

Elegant: A windswept Sophie Wessex arrives at Westminster Abbey accompanied by Prince Edward

The white stuff: The Countess joined the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen and plumped for a pale frock

The royal couple were accompanied by their nine-year-old daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, and their nieces, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
 Their five-year-old son, Viscount Severn, was not at the Abbey but the rest of the the senior royals and crowned heads from all over Europe did make an appearance.
Like the Countess of Wessex, both the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall plumped for pale, summery shades as did Princess Michael of Kent.
The Queen, too, wore a suit made from ivory jacquard - the same colour in which she was crowned 53 years ago, as did her daughter, Princess Anne.
Two who chose more formal, dark colours were the princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, who looked elegant in navy blue and teal dresses.

Stylish: The Countess has reinvented herself in recent years and is now one of the most fashionable royals

Excited: Little Lady Louise Windsor looked thrilled to be at the Abbey and sat between her parents

Chic: Both the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge plumped for pale hues and big hats

Celebration: The Queen stole the show as she made her way into the Abbey in an elegant ivory coat

Flattering: Prince Andrew's daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, chose more sober hues of teal and navy

Colourful: Zara Phillips accompanied her husband Mike Tindall into the cathedral wearing a bright yellow dress

Pretty: Both Princess Anne and her daughter-in-law, Autumn Phillips, chose a gorgeous powder pink hue

Pale and interesting: Princess Michael of Kent chose a chic eau de nil suit for her appearance at the Abbey

Anniversary: It is 60 years since the Queen was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953