Sophie back at work after latest disclosures

The Countess of Wessex has arrived at work the day after stepping down from her role as chairman of the public relations company she founded.

She arrived at R-JH in Mayfair, central London, despite announcing on Sunday she was taking time to rethink her position.

Sophie was met by photographers and reporters as she was escorted to work by police.

The Countess refused to comment when asked whether it was the end of her career.

Her business partner Murray Harkin is understood to be on holiday and taking a complete break from business after quitting the company he set up with Sophie.

The Royal family has now launched a review of the careers of working royals to ensure there is no repeat of last week's disastrous affair in the wake of the "Sophie tapes".

The Queen has given her full support to Sophie and her husband Edward, the Earl of Wessex, hitting out at the "subterfuge" used to obtain the recordings.

Downing Street said Tony Blair remained 100% behind the monarchy after some Labour MPs had used material from the tapes to attack the Royals.

Publication of the tapes prompted Mr Harkin to resign from the company on Sunday.

Sophie, 36, was duped by a fake Arab sheikh in a videotape "sting" by the News of the World, in which she made indiscreet remarks about senior Royals, leading politicians and current issues, including fox hunting and Chancellor Gordon Brown's Budget.