SOPHIE, Countess of Wessex, was among about 600 people who attended a memorial service for the previous Lord Montagu.

The service was held at St Margaret’s Church, part of Westminster Abbey, and was described as a celebration of his life and and achievements.

Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu and founder of the National Motor Museum, died in August, aged 88, after a short illness.

Other people at the service included motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart and veteran broadcaster Nicholas Parsons, who described his friend as “one of the great people of motorsport and motors cars in the UK and around the world”.

Veteran broadcaster Nicholas Parsons, who knew Lord Montagu through the Wine Guild, described him as an exceptional man.

Others included the new Lord and Lady Montagu, Edward’s eldest son Ralph and his wife Ailsa. They were joined by Edward’s widow, Fiona Lady Montagu, and his other son Jonathan.

Throughout the service St Margaret’s flew the Beaulieu Estate flag - three red diamonds on a white background.