THIS is the touching moment Sophie Wessex shared an emotional hug with a well-wisher at a memorial for the Queen.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex were visiting St Anne's Square in Manchester to meet with well-wishers who wanted to pay their respects to the Queen.

Taking their time, the pair stopped and talked to the crowd, greeting almost everyone who had gone out to see them.

In one beautiful moment, Sophie was seen comforting a young man, Josh, who was standing with his mum, Sue.

It comes as…

• Harry and Meghan are 'furious' Archie and Lilibet won't get HRH status – but will be Prince and Princess
• Prince William and Princess Kate are due to visit flowers at Sandringham today
• A royal guard collapsed on duty next to the Queen's coffin
• King Charles has travelled to Highgrove for a day of contemplation
• Heartbroken Brits have been queuing for hours to visit Her Majesty's coffin 

After the exchange, Sue told Sky News: "The first time she came down, Josh passed the bouquet over and then she came back over before she went in the car and gave Josh another hug. And she laid the flowers over there."

She added: "It was quite emotional to be honest. I'm trying to hold it in. I just thought it was the best thing. I wasn't expecting Sophie to come over."

Another woman said Sophie stopped to thank her for taking the time to say goodbye to Her Majesty today.

One other revealed Sophie had told her it was the support of the mourners coming out to show their support who were helping get the Royal Family get through the tough time.

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An emotional Sophie broke down today as she viewed tributes to her beloved mother-in-law who she shared a close bond with and lovingly called her "mama".

She wept as she joined Prince Edward to view tributes for Her Majesty in Manchester today.

The couple met with mourners in St Ann's Square after looking at a book of condolence in the city's Central Library.

They will also light a candle in honour of Her Majesty at Manchester Cathedral.

Sophie fought back tears yesterday as she attended an emotional service to the Queen at Westminster Hall.

The Countess had travelled with Meghan Markle by car in the procession as Her Majesty's coffin was taken from Buckingham Palace.

She was also left in tears as she viewed floral tributes to the Queen at Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral on Saturday.

Sophie became close to The Queen after her mum died in 2005 and they bonded over a shared love of military history.

The pair were said to spend hours poring over dusty documents in the Royal Archives at Windsor.

Sophie and The Queen also went on frequent dog walks around Windsor together.

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Their relationship was boosted by the proximity of the Earl and Countess of Wessex's Surrey pile, Bagshot Park, to Windsor – allowing the family to visit Her Majesty regularly.

Sophie is now in line for a new title and could soon become the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The new title would be a touching tribute as it was held by The Queen from her and Prince Philip's wedding day in 1947 to when she ascended to the throne 1952.

Edward may drop his Earl of Wessex title to take his late dad's old moniker- The Duke of Edinburgh.

Granting the title to the Wessexes was a request made by Prince Philip to King Charles III before he died last year.

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