THE Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be special guests at this year's Great Yorkshire Show, it was announced this morning.

They will visit England’s premier agricultural show on Tuesday, July 14, the first day of the event, which takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate and runs until Thursday, July 16.

The farming and countryside showcase is expected to welcome around 130,000 visitors over the three days.

The competitive classes are at the heart of the event and this year there are almost 13,000 entries, ranging from prize winning bulls to poultry to international show jumpers. 

The royal visit will be particularly poignant for the out-going Show Director, Bill Cowling who will host the Royal guests.

Mr Cowling said: “The Prince of Wales is of course our Patron and I have had the honour of showing our wonderful farming showcase to His Royal Highness and The Duchess of Cornwall, on several occasions.

"Their presence always creates a very special atmosphere as it is plain to see how much they enjoy meeting our visitors and they have a genuine interest in our show and farming generally.”

During the day, the royal couple will meet exhibitors, staff and show visitors and will take a reminder of the Great Yorkshire Show away with them in the form of a hamper of regional produce from Fodder, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s award-winning shop and café.