The Countess of Wessex is involved with almost 60 charities and patronages, both based in the UK and overseas and keenly follows the work and development of these organisations which form the basis of her diary activities.

There is no such thing as a typical day for Her Royal Highness, and her calendar of engagements will differ according to where she is in the UK, overseas or accompanying her husband The Earl of Wessex on official duties.

The Countess took a short break from work following the birth of her second child, James, The Viscount Severn, and returned to public life in September 2008 with a high-profile visit to Paderborn, Germany, to visit the 5th Battalion The Rifles, of which she had become Royal Colonel just prior to her maternity leave. Being the first visit to her Battalion she met key personnel and learnt more about their work and history. As part of her role as Royal Colonel she is keen to support the families of the Battalion, so welcomed the opportunity to spend some time with them during the programme.