The Countess of Wessex makes surprise appearance at her local pub

Sophie Wessex is the second royal in a week to make a special visit to the local boozer.

• The Countess of Wessex made an appearance at her local pub, the Half Moon in Windlesham
• The pub is close to the home she shares with Prince Edward in Surrey
• She is supporting the hospitality industry as he re-opens following lockdown
• In other royal newsPrince Charles' heartbreaking regret over Prince Harry and Archie

The Countess of Wessex delighted the locals when she stopped by the Half Moon - a pub near her Bagshot Park home on Tuesday.

Sophie's appearance came just days after the hospitality industry was given the green light to re-open following three months of lockdown amid the coronavirus crisis.

Sophie, 55, drove herself to the pub - where she met the pub's owners and staff for a socially-distanced catch-up - and had a brief interaction with the family's puppy, Hendrix.

She was pictured bending down to pet the adorable cocker spaniel, before saying she was keen to take the puppy home.

"You are gorgeous," she said. "Can I just say you are really lucky you are on the end of a lead, otherwise I might take you home."

READ MORE: Sophie Wessex to become first royal to take part in this virtual event

The Countess learned that the pub had managed to maintain a takeaway service during lockdown, with the owner, Conrad Sturt, saying he'd been overwhelmed by the support of locals.

He revealed, "The support of our locals, and our community, has been exceptional. We managed to do a takeaway and a collection service which has kept us going. It is safe to come back to pubs, provided the pubs are managing the situation properly."

READ MORE: Sophie Wessex nicknamed 'royal key worker' during coronavirus crisis

It comes just days after Sophie's family member, the Duke of Cambridge, enjoyed a pint at his local pub ahead of Super Saturday.

Prince William, 38, is currently in lockdown at his Amner Hall home in Norfolk and headed to The Rose and Crown to find out how they were planning on operating going forward given the new rules.

Royal fans went wild for the Duke's laid-back appearance, with one saying, "You and Kate are a credit to the royal family."

Another said, "I absolutely love the fact that Will connects with everyday people of England."

Us too!