Countess of Wessex visits Southwark

The Countess arriving at Friendship House

The royal visitor is greeted by the Mayor of Southwark Cllr Anne Yates and Simon Hughes MP

The Countess officially opened Friendship House in Belvedere Place, off Borough Road, the flagship hostel of the London Hostels Association.

The Countess prepares to unveil a plaque to mark the event

Friendship House offers short and long-term accommodation for young people in London.

The Countess is greeted by the Very Revd Colin Slee, Dean of Southwark, and head verger Paul Timms

The Countess then made the short journey to Southwark Cathedral where she was given a tour of the building. The Countess has succeeded the late Princess Margaret as Patron of the Friends of Southwark Cathedral.

The Dean introduces the Countess to the assembled representatives of the Friends of Southwark Cathedral

The royal visitor was presented with a bouquet and introduced to members of the clergy, staff and Friends of Southwark Cathedral.

The Countess examines the Shakespeare Memorial (Photo: Diocese of Southwark)

The Bishop of Southwark (left) chats to the royal guest in the Cathedral library (Photo: Diocese of Southwark)