Opinion: In praise of the Queen and the work of the royal family
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh © PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo How enormously blessed we have been as a nation to be led by such an extraordinary figurehead. I feel very grateful to have lived through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. An outstanding monarch, leader and woman.
With the Queen’s passing, the farming community has lost a great champion of its work. She recognised the integral role agriculture has in shaping the fabric of this country.
She was patron of countless farming, animal, education, community and environmental organisations, societies and club – more than 50, I believe, from the Farmers Club to the Fell Pony Society, from the National Federation of Young Farmers to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
See also: Queen Elizabeth II – farming memories in pictures
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We should celebrate that her interest in farming and support of the countryside was shared by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and passed down to her children.
It is extraordinary how many in our sector have had the privilege of brushing shoulders with the royal family. Perhaps some have attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, where she invited a staggering 30,000 guests every year.
But, more likely, those within agriculture may have had the honour of meeting a member of the monarchy at a farming event or a show. The royal family have fervently supported these events almost since they began.
There will be countless farmers’ mantlepieces with proud photos of the day HRH presented the cups… such a photo of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother judging cattle at the Hertfordshire Show in 1975 is on my office wall.
A couple of years ago, I recall being at a meeting where we discussed the support our industry received from the royal family.
Of the 20 or so farmers present, nearly all had on one occasion or another had the good fortune to meet royalty.
We were from far-reaching corners of the UK. Not high-ranking officials or landed gentry, just farmers – men and women with livestock, dairy, vegetables and arable.
It was not by some bizarre coincidence that we had all shared this good fortune.
This accessibility of the royal family is made possible by their tireless work ethic and commitment to their duty, notwithstanding their love of the countryside. Last year alone, they attended a staggering 2,500 engagements.
In my little world as a tenant farmer, there are a number of touch points with the royal family. I met the Princess Royal at the Oxford Farming Conference some 15 years ago.
I was so nervous, I nearly curtsied as she entered the room.
As a Linking Environment and Farming farmer, the Countess of Wessex is our honorary president.
My interest in reconnecting young people with farming has introduced me to the positive effect of the Prince’s Countryside Fund. King Charles III has helped countless young people get started in rural careers.
And, as a Nuffield scholar, the Duke of Gloucester attends the conference each year, showing his support and interest in the studies of scholars returning to share their findings. I feel very lucky to have had such opportunities.
I am sure readers would join me in sending our sincerest condolences to the King and the royal family.
As we reflect and celebrate her Majesty’s tireless and steadfast contribution to farming over the past 70 years, I am thankful that King Charles III shares the same enthusiasm and passion for British farming.