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109-599: The regimental colonel-in-chief is the Duchess of Edinburgh and the regimental motto is Non nobis sed patriæ , "Not for us but for our country". In 1794, John Butler, who had commanded Butler’s Rangers during the American Revolution was appointed Commanding Officer of three battalions of Nassau Militia . Nassau (later Home District ) was one of the Districts of Upper Canada, Niagara being only part of

218-481: A Marie Claire interview, Taylor described her first royal commission: "My first royal client was the Countess of Wessex, and it was quite nerve-racking. But she wears such lovely clothes and she always looks so fabulous, so it's quite easy to design for her. Since she came to see me, she's never worn any other milliner's hats, which is a big compliment. I was really excited, honored, and slightly nervous." Alongside

327-419: A middle-class family. Her father, Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones (born 1931), is a retired sales director for an importer of industrial tyres and rubber goods. Her mother was Mary (née O'Sullivan; 1934–2005), a charity worker and secretary. She has an elder brother, David (born 1963), and was named after her father's sister, Helen, who died in a riding accident in 1960. Her godfather, actor Thane Bettany ,

436-564: A "safe pair of hands". She has been said to have a low-key approach to royal engagements, and often drives herself to and from events. Amanda Pullinger stated to Town and Country , "She actually presents herself as an ordinary person and I think that is increasingly what the royal family needs to do." She has also been noted for her long-term work on "gritty" subject matters such as gender-based violence in conflict, and trips to "difficult areas", such as South Sudan and Sierra Leone. The Countess's engagements gained significant attention from

545-420: A charity and go, right, I think you should be doing this, because that's what I was used to doing in my working life. I had to take a really big step back and go, OK, they want you to be the icing on the cake, the person to come in to thank their volunteers and funders, not necessarily to tell them how to run their communications plan." Sophie has since been cited as an under-the-radar "stabilizing influence" and

654-461: A charity that supports meningitis patients and raises awareness of the disease. Later that month, she became patron to The Scar Free Foundation , a medical research charity coordinating funds in wound healing, burns and cleft research. In 2003, she succeeded Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother as patron of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists . Sophie, who was a Brownie as

763-745: A child, became the new president of Girlguiding UK in 2003, following the death of Princess Margaret in February 2002, and remained in that position until 2024 when she became the organisation's patron subsequent to the Queen's death in 2022. She established the Women in Business Group in 2003 to support the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and reach more young people to help them develop skills that can transform their futures. The Countess became president of

872-647: A cycling challenge from the Holyrood Palace to Buckingham Palace for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Diamond Challenge. The ride raised more than £180,000 for the Award, which was celebrating its 60th anniversary. Linking Environment And Farming named Sophie as its new honorary president in October 2016. In November 2016, she was announced as Women of the Future's official ambassador, which supports and celebrates

981-628: A joint address from both houses of the Barbados Parliament and a visit to sites affected by the recent volcanic eruptions in Montserrat . In June 2012, as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Edward and Sophie, represented the Queen during a three-day tour to Gibraltar . The couple attended a Queen's Birthday Parade and toured Main Street, in the historic old town. In 2013, the couple visited South Africa. Later that year,

1090-401: A number of organisations, including Foundation of Light (formerly Sunderland A.F.C Foundation) which develops educational and community programmes in northern England, based around football. Moved by the death of her friend Jill Dando in 1999, the Countess became a trustee of UCL Jill Dando Institute , an institute of crime science established in her name in 2001. As a full-time member of

1199-537: A room, yes, people are going to talk about what you're doing there, but they're also going to want to know what you're wearing". She also revealed that she has never had a stylist of her own and that she makes her fashion choices herself. In 2015, the Countess was named on Vanity Fair ' s Best Dressed List. Together with the then- Duchess of Cambridge , Sophie hosted the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange reception at Buckingham Palace during

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1308-503: A rural development trust dedicated to unlocking the potential of rural communities. On Sophie's 50th birthday, she became vice patron of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, a charitable foundation established in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee . The trust was a time-limited foundation and closed on 31 January 2020. In February 2015, the Queen gave a joint reception to celebrate

1417-598: A secretary at West Kent College , Tonbridge . She began a career in public relations , working for a variety of firms, including four years at Capital Radio , where she was assigned to the press and promotions department, as well as public relations companies The Quentin Bell Organisation and MacLaurin Communications & Media. She also worked as a ski representative in Switzerland and spent

1526-664: A silk rug from the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa , who also gave Sophie a silver and pearl cup. The value of the jewellery has not been estimated and its precise contents were not disclosed. Given concern about human rights abuses in Bahrain, this gift attracted controversy, with calls for the jewels to be sold, and the proceeds used for the benefit of the Bahraini people . Critics said

1635-710: A special constable with the Niagara Regional Police. The Lincoln and Welland Regiment perpetuates the Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada , The Coloured Corps ( Captain Runchey's Company of Coloured Men ) , the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th , and 5th Regiments of Lincoln Militia of the War of 1812. Great War Canadian Expeditionary Force battalions perpetuated by the Lincoln and Welland Regiment include

1744-492: A variety of places in and around Regina, Saskatchewan before attending the Globe Theatre's 50th anniversary gala. In March 2017, Sophie embarked on a 4-day visit to Malawi as Vice-Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, visiting programmes to end avoidable blindness and champion young leaders. On 9 May 2017, the Countess attended King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway's 80th Birthday Celebrations on behalf of

1853-478: A year travelling and working in Australia. In 1996, Rhys-Jones launched her public relations agency, RJH Public Relations, which she ran with her business partner, Murray Harkin, for five years. Prior to her marriage, Rhys-Jones lived at Coleherne Court , London. While working at Capital Radio, Rhys-Jones met Prince Edward , the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh , for

1962-586: Is a member of the British royal family . She is married to Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh , the youngest sibling of King Charles III . Sophie grew up at Brenchley , Kent, and later attended West Kent College , training as a secretary. She then worked in public relations , representing firms across the UK, Switzerland and Australia before opening her own agency in 1996. She met Edward in 1987 while working for Capital Radio ; they began dating in 1993. Their engagement

2071-494: Is based at Buckingham Palace . In December 2001, Sophie was taken to the King Edward VII Hospital after feeling unwell. It was discovered that she was suffering from an ectopic pregnancy and the foetus had to be removed. Two years later, on 8 November 2003, she prematurely gave birth to her daughter, Lady Louise , resulting from a sudden placental abruption that placed both mother and child at risk, and

2180-504: Is from the badge of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. "Lincoln and Welland" is a form of the regimental title and " non nobis sed patriae " is the motto of the regiment, meaning "not for ourselves but for our country". The Lincoln and Welland Regiment originated in St. Catharines on 18 March 1863 as The 19th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada . It was redesignated as the 19th "Lincoln Battalion of Infantry" on 28 September 1866; as

2289-871: Is patron. Sophie then travelled to New York City, paying an emotional visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum . Sophie also made an appearance at an Armistice Day service at the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden , which was opened in commemoration of the 67 British victims of the attack. The Countess later attended the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala dinner in Manhattan . The Earl and Countess of Wessex toured Canada in June 2016, visiting Ontario , Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta . The couple visited

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2398-507: Is the patron of over 70 charities and organisations, including Childline and the London College of Fashion . She undertakes over 200 engagements each year, including visits to schools, universities and military bases. Her charity work primarily revolves around people with disabilities , women's rights , avoidable blindness and agriculture. Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones was born at Radcliffe Infirmary , Oxford , on 20 January 1965 into

2507-549: The 81st Battalion, CEF , the 98th Battalion (Lincoln & Welland), CEF , and the 176th Battalion (Niagara Rangers), CEF . The crown represents service to the Sovereign. The design commemorates the former units which were amalgamated in 1936 to form the regiment. The general outline of the badge is derived from the badge of the Lincoln Regiment and the escallop, an emblem used by the former County of Welland,

2616-664: The Sunday Mirror . In April 2001, Sophie appeared in the media after she was misled in a meeting at the Dorchester by a News of the World reporter posing as an Arab sheikh, Mazher Mahmood , who was later exposed for perjury in Southwark Crown Court . It was claimed by the newspapers that during their "secretly taped" conversation, the Countess had insulted the royal family and politicians, calling

2725-529: The 19th St. Catharines Battalion of Infantry on 1 October 1897; as the 19th St. Catharines Regiment on 8 May 1900; as the 19th "Lincoln" Regiment on 2 November 1912; and, following the Great War, as The Lincoln Regiment on 1 May 1920. On 15 December 1936, it was amalgamated with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and redesignated The Lincoln and Welland Regiment . During the Second World War it

2834-622: The 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment on 8 May 1900; and following the Great War as The Lincoln and Welland Regiment on 1 May 1920. On 15 December 1936, it was amalgamated with the Lincoln Regiment and retained its designation. The regiment maintained alliances with the Royal Berkshire Regiment in the United Kingdom (1928-1936), and The Hawkes Bay Regiment in New Zealand, both until 1936. Notable members of

2943-512: The Kosovo War and their families. By the end of 2019, Sophie had completed 236 official engagements. In March 2020, Sophie became the first member of the royal family to visit South Sudan. During the visit, which was requested by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office , Sophie met victims and survivors of gender-based violence and promoted their rights by meeting the female political leaders in

3052-465: The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex , Sophie has been named one of the most stylish members of the royal family. Sophie is particularly known for wearing different combinations of hats and coats, and favours silk dresses and frocks. Describing her style in an interview by Sunday Express Sophie said: "It's about my charities, but I recognize that I'm on display. [...] When you walk into

3161-643: The Welland Canal Force . The 81st Battalion, CEF was authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Britain on 28 April 1916 where it provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 6 July 1916, when its personnel were absorbed by the 35th Reserve Battalion, CEF. The battalion was subsequently disbanded on 27 July 1917. The 98th Battalion (Lincoln & Welland), CEF was authorized on 22 December 1915 and embarked for Britain on 16 July 1916 where it provided reinforcements to

3270-563: The massacre in Bucha . In October 2024, she became the first member of the royal family to visit Chad where she met with refugees who had fled to the country following the Sudanese civil war and had experienced sexual violence during the conflict. The Earl and Countess of Wessex established their foundation The Wessex Youth Trust in 1999 to support initiatives and charities that help children and young people. After twenty years of operation,

3379-774: The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Regiments of the Lincoln Militia as well as the Coloured Corps from the War of 1812 thus linking the regiment to the Battles of Detroit, Queenston Heights and the Niagara campaign. The regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to the various task forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014. On 3 March 2009, Warrant Officer Dennis R "Browny" Brown, of St Catharines, deployed on operations,

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3488-555: The 2018 London Fashion Week . In May 1999, less than a month before her wedding, The Sun published a photo of a topless Sophie with her Capital Radio colleague Chris Tarrant , which was taken during a business trip to Spain in 1988. Buckingham Palace immediately issued a statement saying, "This morning's story in The Sun is a gross invasion of privacy and cannot be regarded as in the public interest. It has caused considerable distress." Prime Minister Tony Blair also condemned

3597-621: The 50th birthdays of the Earl and Countess, as well as their patronages and affiliations, at Buckingham Palace . Elizabeth, accompanied by the couple, met key supporters, staff, volunteers and alumni from the charities of their patronage and presidency, as well as representatives from their various military appointments. In November 2015, 100 Women in Hedge Funds announced that the Countess will serve as Global Ambassador of 100WF's Next Generation initiatives. In September 2016, Sophie took part in

3706-629: The 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The annual event brought together more than 9,000 gender equality representatives from around the world. The CSW is "the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women." From 29 April to 3 May 2019, the Countess, Vice-Patron of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, visited India in her final overseas tour as vice-patron ahead of

3815-472: The Battles of Queenston Heights , Lundy's Lane , Stoney Creek and Fort Detroit . The flank companies took the field together with militias raised by various former officers including Colonel Isaac Swayze and did most of the militia's fighting. In all cases they were a credit to their country. During the Rebellions of 1837–1838 , units of the Lincoln Militia were called out to quell rebel uprisings in

3924-546: The Border Union Agricultural Society since its bicentennial year in 2012. Sophie works to support the 'Campaign for Wool', which was set up by the then- Prince of Wales , and aims to promote the use of British wool. During her 2013 trips to India, and Qatar, the Countess visited numerous facilities in her capacity as patron of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight and ambassador for IAPB, in order to raise awareness about preventable blindness. Her work on

4033-832: The Brainwave Centre in 2003, a charity providing therapy for children with developmental delay. In June 2003, she became patron of the Greater London Fund for the Blind , which raises funds for smaller charities for visually impaired people in London. In August 2003, the Countess received patronage of the National Autistic Society , passed down from the Princess Royal . In 2004, she joined St John Ambulance as grand president, and heads

4142-411: The Canadian Corps in the field until 6 October 1916, when its personnel were absorbed by the 12th Reserve Battalion, CEF. The battalion was subsequently disbanded on 17 July 1917. The 176th Battalion (Niagara Rangers), CEF was authorized on 15 July 1916 and embarked for Britain on 29 April 1917. On 9 May 1917, its personnel were absorbed by the 12th Reserve Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements to

4251-419: The Canadian Corps. The battalion was subsequently disbanded on 30 August 1920. By the end of the war the 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment had gained the battle honors Ypres, 1915 , '17 ; Festubert, 1915 ; Somme, 1916 ; Arras, 1917 ; and Hill 70 . Between the wars, both the Lincoln Regiment and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment were greatly restricted in the training they were able to conduct. For example,

4360-503: The Countess had to undergo an emergency caesarean section at Frimley Park Hospital , while the Earl of Wessex rushed back from Mauritius. Sophie returned to Frimley Park Hospital on 17 December 2007, to give birth, again by caesarean section, to her son, James (then Viscount Severn, now Earl of Wessex). Sophie's first overseas tour after her marriage was to the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island in 2000. In December 2011,

4469-578: The Countess helped Rhubarb, a catering company, in preparing and delivering food to NHS staff amidst the coronavirus pandemic , an initiative organised by Ian Wace . Sophie has also volunteered at local food banks, including the Hope Hub and the Lighthouse, in Surrey and delivered parcels to the homeless during the pandemic. In September 2020, Sophie, alongside her husband and children, participated in

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4578-541: The Countess made solo trips to India and Qatar as the patron of the sight-saving charity Orbis UK. She made a similar visit to Bangladesh in November 2017. Sophie, as Colonel-in-Chief of Corps of Army Music , visited The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra at the Royal Artillery Barracks , in London. On 3 March 2014, the Queen approved the title of "The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra " for

4687-676: The Countess of Wessex joined her husband visiting troops in Afghanistan. In February and March 2012, the Earl and Countess visited the Caribbean for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee , visiting Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat , Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and Antigua and Barbuda. Highlights of the tour included the 50th Anniversary Independence Day celebrations in Saint Lucia,

4796-458: The Countess should sell the gems and give the proceeds to political protesters in Bahrain. Denis MacShane , then a Labour Member of Parliament (MP) and previously a Foreign Office minister, said: "Given the appalling suffering and repression of the Bahraini people, it would be a fitting gesture for the Countess of Wessex to auction these trinkets and distribute the proceeds to the victims of

4905-483: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award worldwide. She has been the founder and chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Women's Network Forum since January 2014, whose goal is the advancement of gender balance and equality by influencing business leaders, inspiring the next generation and sharing best practice. In June 2014, the Countess was appointed the patron of Ubunye Foundation, based in the Eastern Cape, South Africa ,

5014-751: The Great British Beach Clean at Southsea Beach in support of the Marine Conservation Society . In February 2021, as grand president of St John Ambulance, the Countess started working as a care volunteer at an NHS vaccination centre. In May 2021, Sophie become royal patron of Wellbeing of Women , a charity focused on all areas of women's reproductive health across a woman's life course, from menstrual health to menopause. A patron of this charity, she later discussed her own struggles with menopause and how it affected her memory. In July 2021, Princess Alexandra handed over

5123-543: The Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee . Their planned visit to Grenada was postponed after talks with the island's government and governor general, and the couple expressed their hopes to visit the country on a later date. In October 2022, she visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo to engage with projects preventing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, becoming

5232-856: The Liberation Day of the Channel Islands . The Countess delivered a message from the Queen, who paid tribute to the island's continued allegiance and loyalty to the Crown. She visited Canada and the United States in November 2015. While in Toronto, she criss-crossed across the city, making stops at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the UHN's Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital , of which she

5341-638: The Lincoln Regiment trained 12 days in 1920, 9 days a year between 1922 and 1927, 12 days a year from 1928 to 1931 and 10 days a year from 1932 to 1936. On 15 December 1936, the two units were reorganized into the Lincoln and Welland Regiment with an establishment of 467 all ranks. The regiment was called out on service on 26 August 1939 and then details were placed on active service on 1 September 1939, designated as The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, CASF (Details) , for local protection duties. The details were formed as an active service battalion and designated The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, CASF on 15 August 1940. It

5450-467: The London College of Fashion During her visit, the Countess met staff and prisoners, including female inmates, and awarded participants with certificates as part of their training programme. An avid supporter of charities that deal with learning disabilities, Sophie made a solo trip to Belfast in January 2018 to visit a number of charities that she had supported through her work over the last decade, including Mencap 's children's centre. She also opened

5559-436: The Niagara Peninsula and the 2nd Lincolns were warned for duty in Toronto. In 1838, the 2nd conducted marches into the Short Hills to subdue rebel activity there. In 1846, Lincoln County was divided and Welland County was formed with three battalions of militia. The militia "regiments" were renamed "battalions". The 19th Battalion Volunteer Militia (Infantry), Canada was called out on active service on 1 June 1866 and served on

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5668-427: The Niagara frontier. The battalion was removed from active service on 22 June 1866. The 19th "Lincoln" Battalion of Infantry was called out on active service on 24 May 1870 and served on the Niagara frontier. The battalion was removed from active service on 3 June 1870. The 19th "Lincoln" Regiment and 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment were placed on active service on 6 August 1914 for local protection duties with

5777-407: The Opposition William Hague 's appearance. Murray Harkin, Sophie's business partner who was also present at the meeting, was recorded discussing his sex life and cocaine use and boasting about Sophie's abilities in securing celebrities for various events. Tabloid newspapers claimed the Countess had sent apology letters to Blair, Hague and Prince Charles. Buckingham Palace denied the accuracy of

5886-475: The Queen "old dear" and criticising the leadership of prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown . She also reportedly commented on Prince Charles's relationship with his then-partner Camilla , arguing that a marriage would not be possible as long as the Queen Mother was alive. However, despite some initial reports, the paper acquitted her of referring to Cherie Blair as "absolutely horrid" and mocking Leader of

5995-418: The Revolution and had received land grants in Niagara for this service. There is, however, no lineal connection of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment to Butler’s Rangers. By 1808, there were five regiments of Lincoln Militia: At the outbreak of the War of 1812, flank companies (limited to three officers and 38 men), of the five regiments took the field in all major engagements from Niagara to Detroit including

6104-420: The Royal Patron of the Nursing Memorial Appeal. The Appeal aims to create a memorial dedicated to the 1,500 nurses who gave their lives in First and Second World Wars. In February 2018, Westmorland Agricultural Society welcomed the Countess as its president. In January 2019, Sophie became the patron of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance , which saved her life during her ectopic pregnancy in 2001. On 29 January, she

6213-475: The Trust's planned closure in January 2020. Sophie saw the work the charitable foundation has supported to tackle avoidable blindness and heard about programmes successfully launched by Queen's Young Leaders. In July 2019, the Earl and Countess visited Forfar on their first official visit to the town since the Queen granted the Earl the additional title Earl of Forfar in March 2019. Later in October, Sophie visited Kosovo to meet victims of sexual violence after

6322-406: The Wessex Youth Trust was renamed the Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust in 2019 and its management was transferred to the Private Office of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar. It was announced that the Trust's broad charitable objectives would not change, however, their future efforts would be aimed towards supporting a different range of charities. In 2000, she became patron of

6431-430: The World attributed the negative reactions to the jealousy of the rival media, as the outlet had previously conducted an interview with Sophie in which she addressed the rumours about her difficulties in marriage and discussed her husband's sexuality. Sophie had reportedly agreed to the intimate interview on the condition that the newspaper would not publish transcript of the tapes. In a separate statement Sophie said she

6540-409: The battles of Küsten Canal and Bad Zwischenahn were presented by members of the regimental association. In 2012, as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour of Canada, Sophie Countess of Wessex presented new regimental colours to the regiment which included the battle honour NIAGARA based on the regiment's perpetuation of the Incorporated Militia Battalion of Upper Canada. The regiment also perpetuates

6649-506: The country following the 2021 Taliban offensive . In March 2022, Sophie went on a four-day solo trip to New York City, visiting the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden and Consuls General from across the Commonwealth to mark the Commonwealth Day . She also delivered the keynote address on women's rights in Afghanistan at an event hosted by the UN Women and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security . In April 2022, Edward and Sophie toured Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and

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6758-496: The country. In January 2022, the Countess went on a solo visit to Qatar in her capacity as the global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to support the organisation's '2030 in Sight' initiative and visit projects by the Qatar Fund and Orbis International aimed at improving eye tests and treatments in India and Bangladesh. As a supporter of the Women Peace and Security Network she met with Afghan women refugees who had been evacuated from

6867-407: The dedication of the regiment's memorial garden all served to remind the regiment and the community of the service and sacrifice of two centuries. Due to an administrative oversight, two battle honours earned in north-western Germany during the final weeks of the Second World War were not awarded to the regiment until 1995. In October 1995, at the regiment's annual church parade, scrolls commemorating

6976-463: The district. By 1791 the battalions had a strength of 835 all ranks. With the reorganization of the province into sixteen counties in 1792, Lincoln County (with 20 townships) came into existence. The militia was renamed and the Lincoln Militia , with three battalions came into being, some 849 strong. By 1794, Butler was a full colonel with four battalions reporting 976 all ranks. Many of the officers, NCOs and men had served with Butler’s Rangers during

7085-404: The early years of her marriage, Sophie faced public scrutiny for her business interests, and was often compared to the late Diana, Princess of Wales , who had died two years earlier. On her transition to becoming a full-time royal, she later stated: "Certainly it took me a while to find my feet. The frustration was I had to reduce my expectations of what I could actually do. I couldn't turn up at

7194-409: The emergency. For this assistance, the regiment received a vote of thanks from the House of Commons. The regiment provided volunteers to assist during the 1997 Red River flood and the 1998 Ice Storm in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The year 1994 marked the 200th anniversary of the regiment and was commemorated in many ways. The trooping the colours, presentation of freedom of the town of Fort Erie and

7303-413: The end of the war. The overseas battalion was disbanded on 15 February 1946. The highest and most distinguished award for valour, the Order of the Bronze Lion was bestowed upon the regiment's Sergeant Wallace Edmond Firlotte. From Tilly-la-Campagne on 31 July 1944 until Bad Zwischenahn on 1 May 1945, the regiment distinguished itself in many actions. Over 1500 men of the regiment were casualties. Of

7412-466: The father of Sir Guilford Molesworth and a great-grandson of Robert Molesworth, 1st Viscount Molesworth . Rhys-Jones was raised in a four-bedroom 17th-century farmhouse in Brenchley , Kent. She began her education at Dulwich Preparatory School , before moving on to Kent College , Pembury, where she was friends with Sarah Sienesi, with whom she subsequently shared a flat in Fulham and who later became her lady-in-waiting . Rhys-Jones then trained as

7521-426: The first member of the royal family to visit the country. The tour also included visits to Rwanda, Botswana, and Malawi. After her husband was created Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday, Sophie and Edward visited Edinburgh to meet with members of the Ukrainian and Eastern European communities in the city, some of whom were displaced following the Russian invasion of Ukraine . In May 2023, Sophie visited Iraq at

7630-404: The first time in 1987 when he was dating her friend. She met him again at a promotion shoot for the Prince Edward Summer Challenge to raise money for charity in 1993, and the two began their relationship soon afterwards. In December 1993 and amid growing speculation about whether they were planning to marry, Edward wrote a letter to newspaper editors, in which he denied any wedding plans and asked

7739-468: The impact of armed conflict on women and girls, and to promote the positive role women play in building peace and stability. On 25 April 2019, it was announced that the Countess, along with her husband and her brother-in-law, the Duke of York , have each been appointed vice president of the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show . In May 2019, she took over the patronage of the Chartered Management Institute from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In April 2020,

7848-486: The issue has been described as influential in creating the Qatar Creating Vision initiative. In 2013, Sophie became the first ever patron of the London College of Fashion and was announced as the royal patron of British Wheelchair Basketball . In June 2013, she was appointed global ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, an umbrella body co-ordinating organisations running

7957-545: The media to respect their privacy. Edward proposed to Rhys-Jones at a vacation in the Bahamas in December 1998 and their engagement was announced on 6 January 1999. Edward proposed to her with an engagement ring featuring a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold. The ring was made by Asprey and Garrard (now Garrard & Co ) and is worth an estimated £105,000. Rhys-Jones, who

8066-591: The new Army String Orchestra in recognition of the Corps of Army Music's Colonel-in-Chief. In November 2014, Sophie was in Zambia representing the Queen at the state funeral of the late president of Zambia, Michael Sata . On 26 March 2015, Sophie attended the reburial of Richard III of England in Leicester Cathedral . In May 2015, Sophie represented the Queen in the 70th anniversary celebrations to mark

8175-541: The new dementia-friendly unit of Northern Ireland Hospice, the first of its kind in the UK. The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Sri Lanka in February 2018 to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Independence, Sri Lanka–United Kingdom relations , the Commonwealth, education and young people. In October 2018, Edward and Sophie toured the Baltic states . In March 2019, the Countess travelled to New York City to attend

8284-442: The newspaper issued a statement and apologised to Rhys-Jones and the next issue came out with the headline "Sorry, Sophie". It also said that it would again apologise to Sophie in a letter and donate all sale proceeds of the issue to her charities. The photo was sold to the tabloid by Kara Noble, a former friend and colleague of Sophie. Noble later apologised in the following months saying, "I just want to say sorry to everyone who

8393-423: The original men who enlisted in 1940, only three officers and 22 men were on parade in St. Catharines in 1946 when the 1st Battalion was dismissed. In late December 1945, the regiment requested authority to ship to Canada its M5A1 Stuart VI recce tank Serial No. WD CT271427, manufacturer's number 10778, nicknamed "Press-On", to assist in forming a regimental museum collection. This tank was salvaged and repaired by

8502-668: The patronage of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to Sophie. In December 2022, Sophie was honoured at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, where she received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for her work concerning sexual violence in war zones. At the start of her relationship with Prince Edward, Sophie was referred to as "the girl next door ", and noted for her successful career and ordinary background. In

8611-570: The public post- Megxit , with her charity work and style choices receiving increased commentary and analysis. Writer Ingrid Seward states that Sophie "is not a self-publicist....She looks good, without being over-the-top, and she's not craving celebrity. You often wouldn't know she had carried out all those engagements." Sophie was not initially prominent for her fashion, but eventually began to develop her own style and has worn outfits by many notable designers. She has exclusively worn Jane Taylor millinery designs since 2009 on numerous occasions. In

8720-547: The publication of the photograph. The Palace made an official complaint to the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). According to Sophie's business partner the incident had left her "distressed", and she was reportedly "devastated" and felt "she was 'letting the side down' before her wedding". Tarrant later said, "There was never, ever the slightest hint of romance between Sophie and myself, let alone these snidey insinuations." Following its publication,

8829-462: The regime." Royal family guidelines and procedures relating to gifts, published by the government in 2003, state that "before accepting any gift, careful consideration should always be given, wherever practicable, to the donor, the reason for and occasion of the gift and the nature of the gift itself ... Equally, before declining the offer of a gift, careful consideration should be given to any offence that might be caused by such action." Sophie

8938-719: The regiment included: The regiment's lineage was as follows: The regiment is also connected with cadet corps 68 Lincoln and Welland Regiment RCACC in St. Catharines, 613 Lincoln and Welland Regiment RCACC in Fonthill, and the Robert Land Academy army cadet corps in Wellandport. Battle honours in small capitals are for large operations and campaigns and those in lowercase are for more specific battles. Bold type indicates honours authorized to be emblazoned on regimental colours. Old Niagara waltzes by Maud Schooley

9047-581: The regiment's participation in area military engagements in the 18th and 19th centuries, and overseas in World War I, World War II, for peacekeeping and other operations. The Museum is affiliated with: CMA , CHIN , OMMC and Virtual Museum of Canada . However, though affiliated with Virtual Museum of Canada , there is unfortunately no online exhibit for the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones , 20 January 1965)

9156-527: The regimental march became "The Lincolnshire Poacher". The Lincoln and Welland Regimental Museum, in Butler's Barracks in Niagara-on-the-Lake , features the history of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Exhibits include displays and artifacts from the 18th through the present, and include uniforms, weapons, medals, photographs, regimental band instruments, and other memorabilia. The displays show

9265-585: The reports, saying: "The Countess of Wessex, who is trying to pursue her own career, is obviously vulnerable to set-ups such as this." The Palace released a statement saying the reported comments were "selective, distorted and in several cases, flatly untrue". The Palace officials stated that Sophie had not insulted the Queen, the Queen Mother, or the politicians, while according to the Mail on Sunday four reliable sources had confirmed these reports. The News of

9374-777: The request of the Foreign Office to promote the Women, Peace and Security agenda and raise awareness about conflict-related sexual violence. She became the first member of the royal family to visit Baghdad . On 29 April 2024, the Duchess visited Ukraine , the first British royal to make the trip since the Russian invasion, where she met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi . Sophie also met with survivors of war-related sexual violence and torture as well as children who had been returned to Ukraine after being abducted from their families by Russia. She also paid her respects to victims of

9483-548: The royal family, part of her focus became charities that dealt with communications difficulties, including Southampton General Hospital , and the New Haven Trust in Toronto , a learning centre for children with autism. In 2003, she became patron of Tomorrow's People Trust, which helps the disadvantaged to find work, housing and a place in society. In February 2003, Sophie became patron and ambassador of Meningitis Now ,

9592-553: The royal family. The Earl and Countess of Wessex represented the Queen at the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's Accession to the Throne of Brunei in October 2017. On 30 November 2017, Sophie visited the 'Making for Change' fashion training and manufacturing unit, a fashion training and manufacturing unit established by the Ministry of Justice and London College of Fashion at HM Prison Downview as patron of

9701-510: The sides. It is a late production M5A1, with periscope guards on the crew hatches, a large rear storage box, and a not uncommon mix of road wheel types. It now stands in front of the armoury in St. Catharines. In the years since the Second World War, the regiment has busied itself with the many tasks traditionally entrusted to the Canadian Militia during peace time. Ceremonial parades have been attended and guards mounted, most notably

9810-484: The successes of young women. In December 2016, the Countess participated in ICAP charity day in order to raise money for Shooting Star Chase , a children's hospice of which she is patron. During the same month, after the Queen stepped down from her position as patron of numerous charities, Sophie replaced her as the principal patron of NSPCC , Blind Veterans UK and British Cycling Federation . The Countess of Wessex

9919-583: The unit's Pioneer Platoon after being blown up on a mine in the battalion area. The turret was removed, and it served as the COs command and recce vehicle through action in Holland and Germany. The request cited its presence on the battlefield signified that the CO was present as an inspiration and confidence to all ranks. Its reputation as a mascot, led all those on strength at the end of hostilities to sign their names on

10028-598: The visits of the Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip to Niagara Falls in 1951 and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1981. During the Blizzard of 1977 in the Niagara Peninsula the regiment was called out to provide assistance to the civil authority. It rescued over 1500 stranded school children and provided assistance to countless residents during

10137-527: The work of St John's County Presidents, who provide a variety of support for their local St John members. She was associated with ChildLine for many years, preceding her appointment as their first ever royal patron in 2005. In 2006, she lent her support to the Born in Bradford research project, which investigated causes of low birth weight and infant mortality between 2007 and 2010. In September 2006, she

10246-609: Was styled as "Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex" from her marriage in 1999 to 2023. On 10 March 2019, her husband was created Earl of Forfar , according her the title by courtesy of Countess of Forfar. She was at times referred to as the Countess of Wessex and Forfar, such as at the funerals of her father-in-law and mother-in-law . Since 10 March 2023, when her husband was advanced as Duke of Edinburgh ( for life ), she has been known as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh". 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade World War II The 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade

10355-535: Was "dedicated to the 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Canadian Infantry by special permission of Lt. Colonel Cohoe and officers of the Regiment". It was published in Toronto by Canadian-American Music, circa 1905 "19th St. Catharines Regiment" march was not carried over as this regiment changed from 19th and 20th Battalions of Volunteer Militia (Infantry) Canada to: the 19th Lincoln Regiment (1912); Lincoln Regiment (192) and Lincoln and Welland Regiment (1936). Instead

10464-414: Was "distressed by the carrying out of an entrapment operation" on her, but also regretted her "own misjudgment in succumbing to that subterfuge". Subsequently, in 2002, both the Earl and Countess announced that they would quit their business interests in order to focus on activities and official engagements on behalf of the royal family and aid the Queen in her Golden Jubilee year. The Countess of Wessex

10573-560: Was a formation of the Canadian Army that served in both World Wars. During World War I, the brigade formed part of the 5th Canadian Division . However, the 13th Brigade never saw combat as the brigade along with the 5th Canadian Division was broken up to provide reinforcements to the 4 other divisions of the Canadian Corps . During the Second World War, the brigade formed part of the 6th Canadian Infantry Division serving on

10682-524: Was announced in January 1999, and they married on 19 June at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle . The couple have two children: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex , who are respectively sixteenth and fifteenth in line to the British throne as of 2024 . In 2002, Sophie closed her business interests and began full-time work as a member of the royal family. She

10791-558: Was appointed an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists . In the same year, she became patron of England Hockey . Sophie is a supporter of agriculture, farming and food production and held the position of show president of the Royal Bath and West Show in 2010 before becoming vice patron in 2011. She is also patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations and has been patron of

10900-511: Was created a hereditary peer as Earl of Wessex with the subsidiary title of Viscount Severn (derived from the Welsh roots of his wife's family). The couple spent their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle . Following their union, the Earl and Countess of Wessex moved to Bagshot Park , their home in Surrey . While their private residence is Bagshot Park, their office and official London residence

11009-481: Was criticised for accepting two sets of jewels from the royal family of Bahrain during an official day-long visit to the country in December 2011, as she and her husband returned to the UK from a trip to Afghanistan. She was given one set by Bahrain's king and a second set by the country's prime minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa . Her husband, the Earl, received a pen and a watch as well as

11118-711: Was elected president of the Devon County Agricultural Association in February 2017. In May 2017, as patron of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association Sophie attended its 90th anniversary and commemorative athlete awards dinner. The Ice Maiden, five British Army women, received royal patronage from the Countess for their ambitious coast-to-coast ski expedition across Antarctica in October 2017. The team aimed to inspire women and girls everywhere to challenge perceptions and grow their ambitions. In January 2018, Sophie became

11227-695: Was elected president of the Royal Smithfield Club, which promotes the education and knowledge to advance best practice in the meat and livestock industry. On International Women's Day March 2019, Sophie officially announced her involvement in taking a stand against sex crimes in conflict zones, joining Angelina Jolie to work with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) as well as Women, Peace and Security (WPS) formed 20 years ago to tackle

11336-646: Was her father's stepbrother ; both men spent their early life in Sarawak , North Borneo, then a British Protectorate ruled by the White Rajahs . She descends from King Henry IV of England and is related to the family of the Viscounts Molesworth through her grandmother, Margaret Patricia Rhys-Jones (née Molesworth; 1904–1985), who was the great-granddaughter of the Rev. John Molesworth , himself

11445-485: Was involved." Both she and the newspaper faced criticism from the public, and Noble was fired from her job at Heart 106.2 FM . The couple later decided not to make a formal complaint. In 2011, close associates of Jonathan Rees , a private investigator connected to the News International phone hacking scandal , stated that he had penetrated Sophie and Edward's bank accounts and sold details about them to

11554-482: Was killed by an improvised explosive device , along with two other Canadian soldiers. Two more soldiers were injured and evacuated for treatment. Their armoured vehicle was in the Arghandab District approximately 10 kms northwest of Kandahar City. They were returning to base after defusing another roadside bomb. Warrant Officer Brown had 20 years service and was on leave from his civilian job of 8 years as

11663-741: Was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, CASF on 7 November 1940. The unit served in British Columbia, as part of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade , and in Newfoundland in a home defence role as part of Atlantic Command . On 16 July 1943 the 1st Battalion it embarked for Britain. On 25 July 1944 it landed in France as a part of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade , 4th Canadian Armoured Division , and it continued to fight in North-West Europe until

11772-489: Was redesignated as the 2nd (Reserve) Battalion, The Lincoln and Welland Regiment on 7 November 1940, returning to its pre-war designation as the Lincoln and Welland Regiment on 15 February 1946. The Lincoln and Welland Regiment originated in Clifton , Canada West, on 16 November 1866 as the 44th "Welland" Battalion of Infantry . It was redesignated as the 44th Lincoln and Welland Battalion of Infantry on 1 October 1897; as

11881-434: Was reportedly close to the Queen from the beginning of her relationship with Edward, was allowed to use the royal apartments at Buckingham Palace prior to her engagement. The wedding took place on 19 June 1999 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle , a break from the weddings of Edward's older siblings, which were large, formal events at Westminster Abbey or St Paul's Cathedral . On the day of their marriage, Prince Edward

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