Daily Mail

The night Sophie almost became a fallen angel…

- By Laura Lambert Showbusine­ss Reporter l.lambert@dailymail.co.uk

IN fluffy white angel wings and blue eyeshadow, with her hair slicked back and jewels on her cheeks, she was almost unrecognis­able. Perhaps the Countess of Wessex might have been easily identifiab­le by her regal bearing – had it not been for those towering heels she was wearing.

The normally poised Sophie nearly took a tumble as she arrived at a fancy dress party thrown by supermodel Elle Macpherson in upmarket St Moritz, Switzerlan­d.

The 51-year- old countess was a little too hasty as she arrived at the event and walked towards a bar made of ice.

To the shock of other guests, she stumbled on the ice-covered carpet in her high heels and only managed to steady herself just in time.

Sophie, who otherwise looked elegant in a layered white skirt and cream blouse, laughed off the mishap and joined other partygoers at the outside bar, which was lined with shots, before going into the party, being held in a members’ club in the Swiss ski resort.

She was joined at the party by her husband Prince Edward, also 51, and several celebrity guests.

While some guests wore bejewelled eye make-up similar to the countess’s, others went for elaborate masks including a horned troll and a devil. Little red plastic horns were also popular, along with haloes made from tinsel.

Edward was smartly but soberly dressed in a white shirt and dark jacket and trousers but was seen holding a red face mask.

Few are likely to have even recognised his wife at first glance because her slicked back hair had a distinct brown tint to it, rather than her typical blonde style.

Adding to the disguise was a shift away from her usually understate­d make-up – she had covered up her natural eyebrows and drawn on a severe browline, and was wearing dark red lipstick.

With the white wings strapped securely to her back, it seemed that the countess was keen to channel her inner angel.

By the end of the evening, however, the mother of two had opted to give up her wings and simply carried them by her side as she left the party venue.

Probably keen to avoid another stumble, she was flanked on either side by two men who offered her their arms, while her husband walked behind them.

The elaborate evening was hosted by Australian supermodel Miss Macpherson, 51, and her former partner, French financier Arpad Busson, 53. They had two children together – sons Flynn and Aurelius – but separated in 2005.

In 2013 Miss Macpherson married American hotel heir and billionair­e Jeffrey Soffer, but it seems that she and her ex are still on good enough terms to hold a party together.

Sophie and Edward have two children – 12-year-old Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, who is eight. Two months ago it was reported that the countess had banned James from going shooting with the royals – a claim flatly contradict­ed when Edward, Sophie and their son were seen on a New Year shoot at Sandringha­m.

 ??  ?? Her royal highness: Sophie arrives at the party in heels and wings
Her royal highness: Sophie arrives at the party in heels and wings
 ??  ?? Going flying: The countess stumbles as she heads towards the bar
Going flying: The countess stumbles as she heads towards the bar
 ??  ?? Helping hands: She leaves the event
Helping hands: She leaves the event
 ??  ?? Party prince: Edward with mask
Party prince: Edward with mask

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