LITTLE Ellie Kaye stole the heart of a Royal on a Huddersfield school’s day in the sun.

Ellie, nine, met Sophie, Countess of Wessex, on a visit to Castle Hill School yesterday.

The Countess, looking stunning in a red pleated dress cut just above the knee, was greeted with brilliant sunshine and big smiles.

The Countess, a mother-of-two, met youngsters, teachers and staff outside the school but it was almost too much for pony-tailed Ellie.

The Golcar girl hugged the Countess, wrapping her arms around her neck – then promptly burst into tears.

The Countess bent down to comfort Ellie, who then hugged her again before grasping the Royal’s hand and refusing to let go.

The Countess had to give her handbag to an aide as she continued her walkabout hand-in-hand with Ellie.

Afterwards Ellie, who also admired the Royal’s shoes, said: “That lady’s my friend.”

Asked what she thought of the Countess she beamed: “She’s cute!”

The Countess flew in by helicopter from Leeds and landed in the grounds of the nearby Newsome High School to an impromptu welcome from flag-waving students.

During the near two-hour visit the Countess had lunch, toured classrooms and took part in a special ‘sign and sing’ assembly.

Finally she unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit.