Sophie 'getting better,' says prince

LONDON, England -- Britain's Prince Edward said his wife Sophie was "getting better" as she spent another day in hospital today after losing the couple's first baby.

The Earl of Wessex spent two hours at her bedside in the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, central London, and spoke briefly to waiting reporters outside before he left.

When asked how the countess was feeling, he said: "Very good thank you. She's getting better, not perhaps as -- gradually, you know, like any of these things recovering and a little bit tired."

He was asked how much longer she would be spending in hospital, he said it would be another day, perhaps two.

He refused to discuss speculation that Sophie had not known she was pregnant before the emergency, saying that it was an entirely personal matter and that he had given the press all the information they wanted.

He added: "Thank you for your continued concern. I will be keeping in touch and visiting as often as I can."

When asked if any other Royals would be visiting, he said: "Not that I am aware of."

The 36-year-old Countess of Wessex was flown to the private hospital by air ambulance on Thursday and underwent emergency surgery following the diagnosis ofan ectopic pregnancy.

Prince Edward visited her twice at the hospital on Friday, once at about 11am and then again in the evening.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the countess was continuing to rest and it would be for the doctors to decide when she should be discharged.

Asked whether Sophie had known she was expecting a baby before she was taken to hospital, the spokesman said: "We are not saying. It is private to them and we are not going to confirm or deny it. It is pure speculation."