THE Princess Royal, who is a patron of the event, is to open this year's Royal Three Counties Show on Friday, June 17.

Ken Nottage, Three Counties chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to welcome HRH Princess Royal to the showground once again. It is an immense privilege to have her continued support of the Royal Three Counties Show. Her involvement has greatly contributed to the show’s position as one of the country’s premier livestock events, alongside elevating the show to its Royal status, a title of which we are extremely proud. This is the first year for many years that HRH Princess Royal has been able to join us due to the fortunate timings of the Trooping of the Colour and we’re delighted. This year is to be a spectacular year for the Royal Three Counties Show and we cannot wait to share what is shaping up to be our best show yet.”

As well as attending the show's opening ceremony, Princess Anne will also present the Three Counties Agricultural Society Long Service Awards. The annual awards acknowledge employees of members of the society who have completed 30 years or more continuous service to agriculture and horticulture.

This year's event at Malvern has a royal flavour, for the chief main ring attraction will be a display by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which will perform its world-famous musical ride. This is the only occasion in 2016 the Troop is appearing outside London. In the month of the Queen’s Official 90th Birthday, the Band of the Queen’s Division will also provide live musical accompaniment to the displays.

The Royal Three Counties Show will take place from Friday, June 17 until Sunday, June 19. Tickets are now on sale. Advanced adult tickets are priced from £18 and from £16 for Three Counties members.