Sophie makes royal visit to South of England Show

Sophie is the president of the South of England Agricultural Society

The Duchess of Edinburgh made a royal visit to the first day of the South of England Show.

Sophie met members of the public during an appearance at the agricultural and equestrian event on Friday morning.

The three-day country show at the showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, will feature entertainment including international showjumping and livestock judging.

South of England Agricultural Society (SEAS) chairman Charlie Burgoyne told BBC Radio Sussex: "It’s about the farming community coming together this time of year and showing off its best."

The Duchess of Edinburgh was at the first day of the South of England Show on Friday

The annual event is organised by SEAS.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, who is the president of SEAS for 2024, had a large entourage at the showground, where she made visits to the falconry area and a wicker basket tent.

There will also be beekeeping displays, a vintage agricultural machinery ring and an outdoor foraging area.

The event will open between 9:00 and 18:30 BST on each day of the weekend

About 60,000 people are expected to attend the event over the weekend.

New attractions this year include ferret displays and search-and-rescue dog demonstrations.

Corrie Ince, show director for SEAS, said: "There is a fantastic array of countryside activities going on in our region."

She added that the event gave the public "the chance to support the British countryside".