QUEEN ELIZABETH II - WESSEX'S ROYAL PREGNANCY JOY

The British royal family are celebrating today after it was revealed the COUNTESS OF WESSEX is three months pregnant.

SOPHIE WESSEX, the wife of QUEEN ELIZABETH II's youngest son EDWARD, is expecting the couple's first child in December (03). Sophie had previously lost a baby when she suffered an ectopic pregnancy in 2001.

In a statement, the palace confirmed, "Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex are very pleased to announce that the Countess of Wessex is expecting a baby in December."

The countess' spokeswoman says, "(Sophie and Edward) are absolutely thrilled and excited with the news."