Sweet embrace! Sophie Wessex looks delighted to receive a hug from a young well-wisher as she joins Prince Edward on their first visit to their new Scottish earldom

• Prince Edward, 55, and Sophie Wessex, 54, arrived in Forfar for a brief visit today
• Edward received title of Earl of Forfar from Queen on his 55th birthday in March
• For the occasion Sophie recycled a Gabriella Hearst dress and a Prada Jacket 
• It is the first time the Wessexes are visiting Forfar since Edward became its Earl 

Prince Edward made his first visit to his new earldom today, and excelled in diplomatic dressing as he donned a kilt for his visit to Forfar in Scotland.  

Edward, 55, received the title of Earl of Forfar from the Queen for his birthday in March and today marks the first visit to the Scottish town of Forfar by the Wessexes.

For this historical visit, Edward donned a red and grey tartan kilt, pairing it with a brown jacket, tie and waistcoat. While Sophie, 54, expertly recycled several items of clothing.

She sported a pink Gabriella Hearst fringe dress, which she wore during her tour of India in May. She paired it with a white  Prada jacket and Penelope Chilvers tango heels, which she also wore in India.  

Welcome to Forfar: Prince Edward, 55 and Sophie Wessex, 54, have arrived in Scotland for a brief visit, their first since Edward received the title of Earl of Forfar for his 55th birthday

The Countess of Wessex appeared delighted to greet those who had turned out for their arrival in Scotland including Penny Anderson (pictured hugging)

Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex were each handed a bouquet of summer flowers during their walkabout in Forfar

Everyone participated in the festivities in one way or another. Prince Edward is the first person to hold the title of Earl of Forfar since 1715

Prince Edward stopped to chat with the Forfar Pipe Band, who participated in the festivities earlier today

She accessorised the look with a block colour clutch in dark green and burgundy. Her blonde hair was kept in a neat bun that revealed a pair of discrete earrings. 

Her makeup was natural, with just a dash of mascara and a pink lip. 

The new Earl and Countess of Forfar were welcomed by the local Beavers, the 3rd scout group from the town’s St Margaret Church.

They were treated to a performance of ‘An Angus Welcome to the Earl and Countess of Forfar,’ which was penned by well-known Angus musician Sandy Ingram, a former procurator fiscal at the town’s sheriff court. 

They were greeted by local scouts, including the youngest members of the St Margaret Church’s Forfar Beavers (pictured) 

Sophie spoke with some of the children associated with St Margaret Church who had been waiting to welcome her 

Sophie could not resist stopping to talk to the local children, who waved their Union Jack as the couple walked along Castle Street. 

In order to mark the event, the Forfar Instrumental Band welcomed the Royals to the town. Edward is set to meet local businesses and community groups during his visit. 

After the performance Edward and Sophie spent some time with the dancers, who all seemed very excited about the royals’ visit 

Dancers from several traditional dancing schools worked hand-in-hand to put together a beautiful performance (pictured) 

Highland dancers of all ages performed for the Earl and Countess of Forfar on their historical visit (pictured) 

The town’s Strathmore Woollen Company also came up with a new tartan in honour of the new Earl and Countess.

On their visit, the royals will meet the Forfar Dramatic Society, Strathmore Rugby Club and members of an award-winning ladies cycling group. 

The Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Mrs Georgiana Osborne said local groups had been preparing non-stop in order to offer a multi-faceted showcase of life in Forfar.  

Sophie was a hit with the Scouts of all ages who had gathered to greet the royals upon their arrival in Forfar (pictured) 

Prince Edward looked smart in a red and grey tartan as he walked down the the main street of Forfar. He will be known as Earl of Forfar while visiting Scotland 

‘We have a huge variety of things lined up for the Earl and Countess of Forfar to see and by the end of their visit they will have met so many people of all ages involved in businesses, groups and organisations in the town,’ she said. 

Forfar Pipe Band also performed and dancers from the town’s four Highland Dancing schools combined to put on a special display for the VIP visitors, reported the Courrier. 

The Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Mrs Georgiana Osborn (left) proudly showed Prince Edward around Forfar

Osborne reported this was the biggest event to happen in Forfar since the Queen’s visit in 2004.  

The Queen granted the title to Edward on his birthday, the 10th March this year.

The title of Earl of Forfar has not been held since 1715, when the second Earl died leaving no children.

The new Countess and Earl of Forfar (pictured) stopped for a moment after arriving in the Scottish town. Sophie recycled a Gabriella Hearst fringe dress, paired with a Prada jacket and Penelope Chilvers tango heels

Sophie and Edward chatted with the young dancers (pictured) after watching their welcoming performance in Castle Street

The Royals spoke eagerly with locals as they explored various sites in Scotland, Sophie beamed in a pink Gabriella Hearst fringe dress

The Earl and Countess of Forfar later indulged in  a Forfar Bridie whilst visiting Saddler’s of Forfar Bakery in Forfar

Before receiving the Earl of Forfar title, Prince Edward who was accompanied by the Countess was already patron of several Scottish charities

The Earl and Countess of Forfar were joined by Rev Elaine Garman at St John’s Episcopal Church where the Queen mother was confirmed

The Earl and Countess of Forfar were given the opportunity to view the register of Confirmations showing the Queen Mothers name at St John’s Episcopal Church in Forfar

Before receiving the title, Prince Edward was already patron of several Scottish charities, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland. 

He is also a trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh Award, which supports the non formal education of thousands of young people in Scotland and holds annual Gold Award presentations at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Situated near Glamis Castle in the county of Angus, Forfar has a population of just over 14,000.  

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