Sophie, Countess of Wessex sends apology note after comment left performer 'wounded'

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has reportedly sent an apology note to a comedian who performed at the Royal Variety Performance in December, expressing her regret at negative comments she shared with him that evening.

Frank Skinner had previously spoken about the remarks on Absolute Radio, later reported by The Times in the UK, explaining the royal's comments had left him feeling "wounded."

Sophie made the comments after watching his time on stage with David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds. She reportedly told him not to give up his "day job" as she could tell "it's not what you do."

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He recalled the conversation on Absolute Radio, explaining: "It's supposed to be just banal compliments. I said, 'Was it that bad?' And she said, 'Well, you know, I could tell, you know, it's not what you do.'''

Sophie, 58, was accompanying husband Prince Edward at the performance, his first time representing the royal family just three months after Queen Elizabeth's death in September.

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Skinner acknowledge the circumstances surrounding their visit may have contributed to Sophie's lack of tact.

"I think that what's happened is they don't really do this stuff much, and they've been reduced in numbers for various reasons, and so they've been pulled out to do this – and it's a bit of a skill just talking to someone for 10 minutes and not upsetting them," he added.

Skinner said receiving the apology note from Sophie was a "lovely" gesture.

"I got a very lovely note this week – unexpected – from someone I've talked about on the radio show," he said "And you know when the word classy springs to mind... I was quite moved by it. It was the most beautiful thing – handwritten and lovely. I was very pleased."

Sophie has risen through the ranks of the British Royal Family to become one of its most beloved members, dedicating her life to the monarchy.

Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their places as senior working royals in 2020, Sophie and her husband Prince Edward have helped to fill the void left by Harry and Meghan.

Sophie and Prince Edwards are expected to be front and centre at King Charles' coronation in May, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also expected to attend.