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Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 55, has been dubbed the Royal Family’s “secret weapon” by some royal commentators for her low-key but tireless dedication to the crown. On Sunday the Countess took part in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2020, the format of which was dramatically-changed in order to make it possible amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sophie joined Tomas Cardillo-Zallo, a runner with learning disabilities who was taking part in the marathon to raise money for charity Mencap.

Sophie showed Tomas moral support by running with him for the part of his route that went through Great Windsor Park.

This year, the pandemic meant only professional athletes were able to participate in the organised marathon which was held in St James’s Park.

Other participants were encouraged to complete a 26.2-mile route of their own choice.

While Sophie is the first-ever working royal to have run part of the London marathon, she is not the first member of the Windsor Family to participate in the race.

In 2010, Princess Beatrice – who is ninth in line to the throne – completed the London Marathon and broke a new world record.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s eldest daughter completed the race with a team that included Virgin boss Richard Branson, his children and her ex-boyfriend David Clark.

Beatrice completed the race tied to 33 green tutu-wearing friends by bungee cords.

The team managed to break the record cord for being the most people to finish a marathon while tied together.

Beatrice ran the marathon to raise money for her mother Fergie’s Children In Crisis charity.

Proud mum Fergie gushed at the time: “For so long I’ve been trying to get her fit and now she’s showing me up today.

“I’ve just decided that if she’s such a good role model to me then next year I’m going to do it.”

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The Queen showed support for Sophie on Saturday by sharing her London marathon news on Twitter.

The Royal Family’s official account tweeted: “The Countess of Wessex is wishing you all the best of luck as you embark on the virtual #LondonMarathon challenge tomorrow in support of @mencap_charity. You can do it!”

Following the race, Sophie said: “It was an honour to join Tomas even just for a small part of his triumph today, as he completes the virtual London Marathon in support of Mencap.

“Tomas has shown what people with a learning disability can achieve with the right support. He is an inspiration!”

Tomas thanked the Countess for her support, saying: “Thank you to Her Royal Highness for supporting me to run my first ever marathon.

“I loved every minute of running the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon.”

Sophie and Prince Edward live near where Great Windsor Park where the Countess ran today.

The royal couple were given Bagshot Park as a royal residence by the Queen following their wedding in 1999.

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