The Countess of Wessex is set to open ballet studio with very special connection

Sophie, Countess of Wessex will open the Central School of Ballet's new studios on 27 February.

• It marks the Countess' fist royal engagement since her family skiing holiday in St Moritz
• The new studios are named in her honour
• This follows royal news that the Countess showed off a secret skill

The new studios are located on the South Bank in Southwark.

The Countess of Wessex studios in Paris Gardens will feature seven studios, plus a fully equipped studio theatre.

There will also be study and resource centres, as well as a state-of-the-art health suite.

The engagement is something that is close to Sophie's heart, as she is a big fan of dance.

The Countess was named patron of the Central School of Ballet in 2003 and is a keen Strictly Come Dancing fan.

She and her daughter, Lady Louise, joined the audience in 2018.

The Central School of Ballet announced it was moving to its new premises three years ago.

At the time, Sophie said, 'This is a momentous time in Central's history.

'Their planned move to Paris Gardens will allow a greater engagement with young people who don’t currently get access to dance classes, building on their activities with junior schools in Southwark.

'This organisation was founded on the principle that talented young dancers should get the opportunity to pursue dance as a career independent of financial circumstances or background.

'The new premises will allow the school to work with local communities to ensure this founding principle is followed.'

The Countess of Wessex enjoys a close bond with the Queen.

A royal aide has previously revealed, 'She is trusted and relied on by the Queen in a way I couldn't say applied to the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Cornwall.

'She is like another daughter to Her Majesty, they are that close.'