The Duchess of Cornwall attends the South of England Show

The Duchess of Cornwall attended the South of England Show in West Sussex today in her role as 2017 President of the South of England Agricultural Society.

Her Royal Highness toured the show ground on the opening day of the three-day event  to celebrate the charity’s 50th year of supporting agriculture and the countryside. 

Working across six counties, The South of England Agricultural Society aims are to showcase agriculture, horticulture and the countryside and raises funds that help serve the community through the provision of education, grants, awards, bursaries and scholarships.

The Duchess visited stands across the show, including the Young Farmers' Club and Discover Countryside, and spent time meeting charity groups and educational organisations. 

Her Royal Highness browsed stalls of local produce, including Sussex-made honey, and spoke to local farmers and viewed their livestock. In the Ardingly Ring, The Duchess watched part of a show jumping competition and handed out long-service awards to members of the society. 

Her Royal Highness also marked 50 years of the show by unveiling a commemorative timeline. 

As 2017 President, Her Royal Highness chose The Brooke to be the Society’s charity for the year. The Brooke is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, and The Duchess of Cornwall became The Brooke's first President in 2006. 

Representatives from The Brooke attended the show today, and The Duchess was able to hear about some of the work currently being carried out by the charity.