Royal visit will mark Her Royal Highness’s first appearance at the flagship agricultural event
THE ROYAL visit, on Tuesday, July 21, will mark the first time The Duchess has attended the show in her capacity as patron of ASAO, the representative body for the UK’s agricultural, horticultural, equine and countryside events.
Duchess Sophie is no stranger to the Royal Welsh, having previously attended the main show in 2003 and the Winter Fair in 2018. She has served as patron of ASAO since 2012 and is a regular supporter of agricultural shows across the UK.
Organisers said they were delighted to be welcoming Her Royal Highness to Llanelwedd for this year’s four-day event.
Nicola Davies, chair of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Council, said: “It is hugely encouraging that members of the Royal Family continue to take such an active and deep interest in rural matters.
“This will be an extremely special occasion for us. The show is about bringing people together and Her Royal Highness will have the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful people who make the Royal Welsh so special.”
During the visit, The Duchess will tour the showground, meeting exhibitors, young farmers and volunteers, as well as seeing some of the new attractions and additions planned for this year’s show.
She is widely recognised for her support of farming, food production and rural communities.
Richard Price, honorary show director, said the visit would be a major occasion for the event.
He said: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is hugely knowledgeable about agricultural shows, having visited many events in her role as patron of ASAO, so she is sure to keep us on our toes.
“We will be pulling out all the stops to show her the very best of Welsh agriculture and to ensure she leaves with very fond memories of the Royal Welsh Show and its people.”
This year’s Royal Welsh Show runs from July 20 to 23 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.
The event is one of the biggest dates in the agricultural calendar, featuring livestock and equine competitions, rural skills, food and drink, horticulture, forestry, countryside sports, shopping and entertainment.
Full details and ticket information are available from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.
