Sophie, the Countess of Wessex admitted she “really empathised” with a young girl going through a “frustrating” lockdown experience. The royal was taking part in a special video call to kick off the 20th birthday celebrations for Sunderland’s Foundation of Light charity. Sophie spoke to one of the beneficiaries of the foundation named Josie, a Sunderland RTC Player.
When asked about how being at home for the lockdown was going, Josie said: “It’s okay but sometimes I struggle with my work.
“My mum and my dad are full-time workers.
“So if I get stuck I have to wait for my mum when she’s on a break so she can help.
“It’s hard sometimes.”
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Sophie told her: “It is hard, isn’t it? It must be very frustrating for you.
“I really empathise with you, it’s not easy, but you’re not alone.
“Good luck with everything, Josie.
“Don’t worry about the schoolwork, just stick at it.”
Foundation of Light is the biggest football charity in the UK, trying to improve lives through the national sport.
Sophie said she “couldn’t be more proud” to be their patron and that she could “hardly believe” that it had been 20 years since its creation.
The charity tweeted its thanks after the call: “Thanks to HRH The Countess of Wessex, we finally kick off our 20th birthday celebrations!
“2021 sees SAFC’s charity celebrate two decades of working with the community to help make a difference – we want to share our milestone with everyone!”
