The Countess of Wessex chats to pupils at Sark School yesterday. (0801432)

TOURISTS were given a lucky treat when the royal couple arrived in Sark yesterday.

After a quick trip to Herm, the Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived by boat and were given a ride in the traditional ‘toast rack’ to the top of Harbour Hill to meet many of the island’s residents.

Tourist Franny Currie, 14, who had been waiting with her family to see the couple, got an unexpected surprise.

Together with her cousins, who were on holiday from Oxford, she got the chance to say hello.

Both Prince Edward and Sophie asked her where they were all from and whether they were enjoying their holiday.

‘I was very excited. I’ve never met a member of the royal family before. It was great, I didn’t expect him to speak to me,’ she said.

Her brother, Hamish, 12, said Prince Edward had asked him whether he liked exploring on the island.

Their mother, Jane, was very complimentary.

‘I think their patience and friendliness is outstanding. I really take my hat off to them,’ she said.

‘They work exceptionally hard and they carry it off with dignity and integrity.’

The couple then enjoyed a ride in a wagonette to Sark School, where they were given a tour around the building and met many of the children.