Britain’s Prince Edward officially opened the Royal Norfolk Show yesterday (25.06.14).
The Earl of Wessex kicked off his duties as the new president of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association by opening the show in the grand ring after receiving a military welcome by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, led by Major Paul Norley.
Edward told the crowd: "Although the Royal Norfolk Show is not the is not the oldest, the decision to move to a permanent showground was pretty revolutionary. It is the role of this show to demonstrate the best of what Norfolk produces."
The 50-year-old royal, who is Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s youngest son, chatted to youngsters learning about farming and agriculture in the Discovery Zone.
He was described as "very friendly" by members of the Norfolk Young Farmers group, who shared their experiences of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award with him.
Christopher Nix, the show’s steward, commented to the Norfolk Advertiser: "Lots of people are very pleased to see him."
Edward is the first member of the Royal Family to attend both days of the Royal Norfolk Show in 60 years, following in his grandmother, the Queen Mother’s footsteps.