Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visited Rochester Cathedral on Thursday.

The private visit was due to include a tour round the cathedral and lunch at the deanery with the Dean of Rochester, the Very Rev Mark Beach.

The reason for the visit is unclear at the moment but could feature major projects at the cathedral including its £5m lottery bid.

Last May the Countess, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, made a surprise visit to the Pembroke House ex-military care home in Gillingham.

See Monday's Medway Messenger for a full report and pictures from the royal visit.