The Countess of Wessex is pregnant and is expecting a baby in December, Buckingham Palace announced today.

A statement from the palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex are very pleased to announce that the Countess of Wessex is expecting a baby in December.

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and members of both families are delighted."

A spokeswoman for the Countess said she was feeling a "little tired" but was "absolutely fine".

Sophie and Edward are "absolutely thrilled and excited with the news", she added.

The Countess will not be undertaking engagements for the time being.