Princess Anne appointed president of Devon County Show
The Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) announced the appointment of Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, during its annual meeting on January 31.
The DCAA, known for its flagship event, the Devon County Show, expressed its delight at having the Princess Royal as its figurehead, given her "longstanding commitment to food, farming, and the countryside".
Princess Anne on a visit to the Devon County Show in 2015. (Image: Lord-Lieutenant of Devon)
The Princess Royal, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and sister to King Charles III, runs her own farm and estate in Gloucestershire.
She was also the first member of the Royal Family to compete in the Olympic Games, riding the late Queen's horse, Goodwill, in the equestrian three-day event.
She succeeds celebrated Michelin star chef Michael Caines MBE DL as president.
The Princess Royal will be supported in her year of office by deputy president Roger Ellis.
Mr Ellis, a fourth-generation farmer from Dunchideock, took over the family farm at the age of 18 following his father's death.
Roger Ellis has bee appointed as Deputy president (Image: Katie Mortimore Photography)
He said: "I am honoured to take up the deputy presidency and will greatly enjoy supporting the Princess Royal during her year as our president, particularly given our mutual passion for horses and rural life.
"2025 also happens to be the year that my wife Mary and I celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary—60 years of marriage, which is quite a milestone.
"It's going to be quite a year all around."
The Devon County Show always provided Mr Ellis with a welcome distraction from the responsibilities and challenges he faced with the farm in the early days, in particular the hefty burden of death duties.
His connection with this annual celebration of rural life in Devon spans an impressive 60 years, most recently serving as chief steward of the horse section—an apt role given the Princess Royal's equine interests and connections.
The Princess Royal has been named the hardest-working royal of 2024 for the fourth year in a row, after carrying out 395 engagements in the UK and 79 abroad.
The Devon County Show takes place on May 15, 16, and 17.
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