Mother of Countess of Wessex dies at 71

LONDON - The mother of Sophie, the Countess of Wessex has died at age 71, Buckingham Palace said.

Mary Rhys-Jones had largely stayed out of the limelight after her daughter Sophie joined the royal family by marrying the Queen's youngest son Edward in 1999.

The palace said she died on Sunday after a short illness, and would be buried at a private funeral.

Sophie gave birth to the Queen's youngest grandchild, Louise, in November 2003.

- REUTERS