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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Sophie Wessex mocked for bizarre gift to PM during Caribbean tour with Prince Edward

Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, have left some perplexed with a gift they handed out on their Caribbean tour.

The royal couple are currently in the middle of a week-long tour of the region - and it comes just weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited several Caribbean islands.

When Edward and Sophie arrived in Saint Lucia on Friday, they had a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Philip Pierre, where they exchanged gifts.

Mr Pierre gave the royals a painting of one of the island's turtles - and in return, Edward and Sophie handed over a Jubilee box as well as a signed photo of themselves.

Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex hand over a gift to the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip Pierre (Getty Images)

However, many took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the photo gift, with many left scratching their heads at it.

One said: "Could at least have given a photo of HMTQ. Who gives a picture of themself as a present?"

Another remarked: "His face says it all, reminds me of the look I gave my husband when he gave me an iron for Christmas."

While one tweeted: "When I visit another country I also give the hotel a framed photo of myself as a thank you."

And another said: "That will look perfect in his downstairs loo."

The signed photo handed over by Edward and Sophie (Getty Images)

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However, others did point out it is often tradition, with other royals having also given signed photos as gifts on trips abroad in the past.

As well as visiting Saint Lucia, the couple has also visited St Vincent and the Grenadines but a trip to Grenada was cancelled at the last minute.

Later today, Edward and Sophie are set to travel to Antigua and Barbuda amid warnings from the island to avoid “phoney sanctimony” over slavery.

The couple in Saint Lucia yesterday. They are also visiting Antigua and Barbuda today (Getty Images)

The couple has a full day of engagements planned for Monday’s visit, including a trip to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium where they will meet former West Indies cricketers.

Prior to their Caribbean tour, the country’s Reparations Support Commission penned an open letter to the couple saying: “For us, they are the source of genocide and of continuing deep international injury, injustice and racism.

“We hope you will respect us by not repeating the mantra. We are not simpletons.”

On their visit to the island, the couple will first receive a guard of honour at the VC Bird International Airport before meeting the country’s Prime Minister and members of his cabinet.

They will then travel to Government House where they are due to present three Platinum Jubilee medals to three people to recognise their service to national security.

Edward and Sophie will also speak to some of the country’s craftspeople, creatives and community groups, and the countess will speak to women about their work towards female empowerment.

The couple is scheduled to visit the National Sailing Academy, where they will meet children who have benefitted from a programme which offers people with disabilities the opportunity to get involved with water activities.

To complete their tour of the island the earl and countess will visit Clarence House where they will plant a tree to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

They will also attend a reception in celebration of Antigua and Barbuda’s culture and traditions and will learn about local delicacies and produce.

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