Young farmers will rub shoulders with royalty at the Kent County Show this summer.

The Duke of Kent, who became patron of show organisers the Kent County Agricultural Society in 1975, will visit on the first day of the show, at the Kent Showground in Detling, on Friday, July 8.

He will be met by Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle and will meet officials and tour the livestock and farming areas, including the Jacob Sheep Society and the young farmers.

He will also visit organisations taking part in the three-day event including the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Dogs Trust and Guide Dogs and will tour the Woodland Area to meet Scouts, as he is also President of the Scout Association.

He will be part of a drinks reception with the society to watch the Kent Spitfire display on the members’ lawn.

Chairman Kevin Attwood said: “His enthusiasm and interest in the county show is heartfelt and it is a wonderful opportunity for him to see the excellent work that goes on in Kent. His knowledge about the rural and farming community makes his visits very special for the people he meets.”

The Duke will also be guest of honour at the president’s lunch, sponsored by Brachers LLP and Savills. The last time he visited was in 2014 when he officially opened the Maidstone Exhibition Hall and helped mark the society’s 50th anniversary.

The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, will also be at the show on the same day and, among his visits, will also be a tour of the young farmers’ area.

The show runs from Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10. Tickets are £43.20 for a family ticket or £48 on the gate. Adult tickets are £19.80 or £22 on the gate, children are £5.40 or £6 on the gate. Multiday tickets cost £50 and are only available in advance. Children under five go free and parking is free. For details go to kentshowground.co.uk