Royals put on show of unity for Easter

The Countess of Wessex was smiling and relaxed today as she joined the rest of the Royal Family in their traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle.

Sophie, who has been embroiled in a row over her business interests, held hands with her husband, the Earl of Wessex, as they walked down to St George's Chapel.

They were joined by Captain Tim Laurence, the Princess Royal and her daughter, Zara Phillips, who stole the show dressed in a black hat and knee length beige skirt suit.

Sophie, who was wearing a blue hat, black skirt and black and white check jacket, looked relaxed and at ease under the glare of the watching media.

The royal party waited outside the chapel for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh who arrived in a Rolls-Royce.

The Queen, dressed in a lime green outfit with matching hat, waved at hundreds of waiting fans before leading the way into church.

The Duke of York did not attend nor did Princess Margaret, who is recuperating from a stroke at the castle.

The Queen Mother also did not attend the service.

Sophie's attendance was seen as a show of unity in the wake of an apparent royal rift following a sting carried out by a fake sheikh on behalf of the News of the World.

The Queen is said to want the Countess to end her connection with her public relations firm, RJ-H, after the embarrassing revelations.

Edward also has a business career running a TV company, Ardent Productions.

The Queen has ordered an inquiry into whether family members should give up business interests or forego their royal privileges.

The Duke of Edinburgh is said to be giving his backing to the Countess over the debacle, claiming it is just a media furore.

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