Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex met the cast of 'Downton Abbey' at a charity event on Tuesday (25.11.14).

The 49-year-old royal - who has children Lady Louise, seven, and James, Viscount Severn, six, with husband Prince Edward - attended the 'Downton Abbey Festive Readings' seasonal celebration at St. George's Church in London, which was held in aid of Tomorrow's People, a charity of which she is patron.

Sophie helped Jim Carter - who plays strict butler Carson on the hit period drama - call out the winners of a raffle, and also met his co-stars Laura Carmichael, Allen Leech and Penelope Wilton, as well as the show's writer Julian Fellowes.

The cast members each offered a seasonal reading at the 18th century church before fans in the audience - who had paid £45 a ticket - got the chance to ask them about life in the show.

After the celebrities had left the stage, a Salvation Army band performed and guests tucked into wine and mince pies.

All proceeds from the evening went to Tomorrow's People, a national organisation that helps excluded and disadvantaged people avoid long-term homelessness and find work.