THE Princess Royal will open next month's Royal Three Counties Show.

Official confirmation that there will be a royal opening of one of the country's premier agricultural shows came in the past 24 hours.

This year will be a momentous one for the Malvern-based event as the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will also be in attendance, offering the only opportunity to see the troop outside of London and the Princess Royal, who is patron of the Royal Three Counties Show, will inaugurate the the opening ceremony, featuring the King's Troop on Friday, June 17.

During her visit she will also be presenting the Three Counties Agricultural Society Long Service Awards.

Ken Nottage, Chief Executive Officer of the Three Counties, said: “We are thrilled to welcome HRH Princess Royal to the showground once again.

“It is an immense privilege to have her continued support. 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”.

He added : “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.”

The King’s Troop will perform each day in the Main Arena with the Band of the Queen’s Division providing live musical accompaniment to their magnificent displays.

The show regularly attracts livestock breeders from around the Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Redditch and Alcester areas, as well many local businesses and traders and 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. Family and childrens tickets are also available and tickets can be purchased on the gate.