Sophie Wessex to become the first royal to ever take part in this virtual occasion

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is set to become the first royal to virtually sit for British sculptor Frances Segelman as the Queen's daughter-in-law takes part in a ground-breaking event.

• Sophie Wessex will be created by the Leeds-born sculptor as part of her patronage, Vision Foundation
• The piece of art will be unveiled in 2021 to mark the charity's 100th year and will be the first royal sculpture created as a 'tactile' piece of art for blind and partially sighted people
• Frances Segelman describes the opportunity as a 'privilege'
• It follows royal news that Princess Diana's shocking insight into Prince Harry's life revealed

She's been dubbed a "royal key worker" for the work she's carried out during the coronavirus pandemic, and now the Countess of Wessex is set to become the first royal to take part in another groundbreaking event.

Sophie, 55, is set to become the first royal to ever virtually sit for British sculptor Frances Segelman.

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According to The Daily Mail's Richard Eden, the Queen's daughter-in-law is supporting her patronage Vision Foundation by being part of Frances' project to create a "tactile piece of art" for "blind and partially sighted people."

She took over as patron of the charity back in 2003, following on from the Queen Mother.

The sculptor reportedly said, "It is a privilege. It will be the first time a member of the royal family has sat for me as part of a live virtual event, and the first royal sculpture I have created as a tactile piece of art for blind and partially sighted people."

It is thought the piece of art will be unveiled next year to celebrate Vision Foundation's centenary. While the Countess won't be the first royal to sit for Frances, she's the first to ever take part virtually.

The artist has previously sculpted Her Majesty the Queen and described the tear-jerking experience as "special".

Speaking back in 2017, Frances said, "She's just an amazing lady. I literally almost cried when I was leaving because I felt that I'd learned so much just being in her presence. She's a very special person."