THE Earl and Countess of Wessex met thousands of people who have volunteered to help at this year's Commonwealth Games.

On a visit to Manchester on Monday (April 22), Prince Edward and wife Sophie were addressing more than 10,000 volunteers and launching a two-hour celebration event at the Manchester Arena.

The Earl is the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation. The sporting spectacular this summer will see events being held at the Bolton Arena at Horwich and Rivington.

Guests at the event today include celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment including Steve Cram, Roger Black and Matthew Kelly. The Royal couple met supporters of Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, including actress Amanda Donohoe. They were due to take a boat ride on the Ashton Canal with Coronation Street actor Bill Roache, which is part of the East Manchester Community Boat Project.

The Earl and Countess were also visiting The Smithfield Centre, an alcohol and drug detoxification centre.

Princess Anne was due to visit Liverpool today as the Royal Family return to their public engagements following the death of the Queen Mother.