At Laura House the Prince said his wife has been told to "take it easy"

The Earl of Wessex has spoken of his delight at the news that his wife, Sophie, is expecting a baby in December on a visit to Devon.

Both Sophie and Edward were expected in the county on Tuesday but Sophie will not be undertaking any official engagements for the time being following the announcement of her pregnancy and Prince Edward carried out his royal duties alone.

He spent the morning visiting a Devon charity which offers opportunities to adults with learning disabilities.

At Laura House in Totnes he apologised for his wife's absence.

'Doctor's orders'

"I am just very sorry that my wife can't actually be here," he said.

"She has been told that she has got to take it very easy.

"That is the doctor's orders and she is not going to disobey."

The Prince is due to open TR2 in Plymouth as part of his visit

The Prince is also scheduled to open the Theatre Royal Plymouth's new �8.2 m Production and Education Centre (TR2).

The building opened its doors for a special preview on 5 May and an estimated 1,000 people were given a tour of the site as part of the Theatre's 21st birthday celebrations.

All parts of the centre were on view, allowing members of the public access to areas including the main rehearsal studio, where shows like Cats and Summer Holiday have already rehearsed.

Situated on the banks of the River Plym at Cattedown, TR2 is surrounded by pathways and visitors were given the chance to view the centre's unique bronze-clad pods.