Click here to see the photo from Kent News

 Despite the threat of rains, the annual Kent County Show opened today. The event was even more exciting this year, due to the visit from royalty. The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived at the showgrounds at 10:00 this morning, where they were greeted by farmers and royal fans. The Wessexes were welcomed by George Jessel, the Deputy Lieutenant and Chair of the Kent County Agricultural Society.

According to a report from Kent Online, Mr. Jessel gave the royal visitors a tour of the Kent Showgrounds. They also met with farmers and handed out awards for long-time service in farming to Hazel Spicer, Adrian Smith, John Roberts, and Gil Applin. The Wessexes were then treated to a Young Farmers club livestock show, and the Why Kent Farming Matters display area, according to Kent News. The Young Farmers club show at Kent is the largest Young Farmers show in all of Europe.

The Kent County show runs from July 17-19. For more information about the show, please visit this website.

To read about, and to discuss, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, please visit this this thread.

sgl British Royals Agriculture, Countess of Wessex, Earl of Wessex

Agricultural shows are all part and parcel of the Windsors’ working lives but today Her Majesty got a special treat that will surely go down well in the heat-wave the UK is currently enjoying: a year’s supply of ice cream. The gift was given by Maitland Mackie at the Royal Highland Show near Edinburgh. Mackie’s is a well-established brand and can be found in almost all British supermarkets alongside Walls and other favourites. Anyone concerned that the 83 year old monarch would have to pull a heaped cart of melting tubs around with her will be happy to know that the Queen was handed vouchers that are valid for 12 months.

This year was the 225th anniversary of the show and was the first visit by Her Majesty in 25 years and she obviously enjoyed touring the various stalls, watching a lace-making demonstration and catching up with her daughter, The Princess Royal, who was also attending. The Queen apparently chuckled at the present from Mr Mackie who said; “We gave the Queen a whole year’s supply of ice cream because we’re a bit worried about the economics of the Royal Household” before assuring us all that Her Majesty is “A lovely lady”. We’ll see how lovely she is after 12 months of rasperry ripple and neapolitan Mr Mackie.

BeatrixFan British Royals Agriculture, Elizabeth II

Click here to read more from Western Morning News

 Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, received a warm welcome as she arrived at the Royal Cornwall Show last Saturday afternoon. This year is the 216th year of the agricultural show, and the fifth time that the princess has taken part in the festivities; her last visit was in 2005. The three day event covers nearly all aspects of agriculture, and has grown to include a motor fair, music, and entertainment.

The royal visit attracted a large number of people, who waited patiently for the princess to make her way to the show. The crowds cheered, and a rousing fanfare was played by the Bugle Platoon of the Rifles as Princess Alexandra stepped out from her vehicle, according to Western Morning News. The princess graciously took time to speak and pose for photographs with the members of the platoon, and the crowd of visitors. She then met with local dignitaries, and was presented with the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association Vice President’s Badge.

Princess Alexandra attended a private luncheon held in her honor, where she was invited to sign the Association’s visitors book. She spent the entire day at the show, visiting each of the different tents before ending up in the main ring, where she sat in the royal box during the grand parade of livestock. At the end of the tour, the princess was graciously given a hamper of Cornish food and drink from the Women’s Farming Union.

Princess Alexandra is not the only royal to be involved with the Royal Cornwall Show. Next year, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, will be the show’s president.

For more information about the Royal Cornwall Show, please visit this website.

To read about, and to discuss Princess Alexandra of Kent, please visit the forum.

sgl British Royals Agriculture, Princess Alexandra of Kent