To celebrate the 90th birthday of their Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society planted a tree during the opening ceremony of the Royal Welsh Show on Monday.

All eight of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants in Wales were invited to attend the ceremony on the Queen’s behalf where a spectacular Golden Willow was planted in the hallowed Royal Welsh Showground in honour of this momentous occasion.

The society’s royal connections go back to 1907 when, three years after the foundation of the society, King George V became patron, followed by King George VI in 1936. The Queen took over the role in 1952 and remains our patron to this day.

But it was in 1947 that the then Princess Elizabeth had her first official role in the society as our Honorary President for the year. During her time as president, the Princess visited the Royal Welsh Show, held in Carmarthen during that year, and undertook ‘a triumphant tour of the showground’.

Her Majesty the Queen has since visited the iconic Royal Welsh Show on a number of other occasions, most recently in 2004 in the society’s centenary year.

“We are greatly honoured to have the patronage of our Queen and the support of the Royal Family over many years” says Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Steve Hughson

“I believe that the coming together of all eight of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants from Wales is a fitting tribute to mark our Patron’s 90th birthday.

“We extend our very best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal Family in this special year.”