Sophie to resign from PR firm chairmanship

The Countess of Wessex is stepping aside as chairman of R-JH Public Relations but is to continue in business, she said in a statement.

The Queen supports the wishes of both Sophie and her husband Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, to pursue their own business interests, said Buckingham Palace.

A review of potential conflicts of interest, and how to avoid them, is to be carried out by royal officials, said the Palace. R-JH will be restructured to allow it to continue as a successful company, said Sophie.

Sophie said: "I am deeply distressed by the carrying out of an entrapment operation on me and my business but I also much regret my own misjudgement in succumbing to that subterfuge."

Buckingham Palace said: "Her Majesty accepts that despite the difficulties of recent days, both the Earl and Countess understandably want to try to pursue working careers and they have her full support in doing so.

"It is not an easy option and they are breaking new ground but it is right in this day and age that they should be allowed to do so."

The Palace statement continued: "In following careers, they are always open to accusations of exploiting their Royal status in pursuit of their own business interests.

"Both the Earl and the Countess vigorously deny that they have deliberately set out to do so."