THE Queen's 90th birthday was an excuse for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society to dig into its archives as it wished Her Majesty a happy birthday.

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.

In an extract taken from society’s 1952 journal, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s chairman, Sir Bryner Jones, wrote about the Queen’s decision to become our patron: “… my first duty must be to express our deep sense of gratitude that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has graciously intimated her intention of continuing the patronage which her late father King George VI and her grandfather, King George V, had extended to the society.

"By her gracious decision to allow her name to be linked with our society, she has given ample proof of her concern for the future prosperity of Welsh agriculture. It is our earnest hope that Her Majesty may be spared to enjoy a long, happy and peaceful reign.”

But it was in 1947 that the then Princess Elizabeth had her first official role in the society as 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’.

An extract from the 1947 show report described the visit: "Princess Elizabeth visited the show on the opening day and was accorded an ovation on her progress to and from the showyard, which, at times, became almost embarrassing in its fervour. Her Royal Highness then made a speech’ in the course of which she evoked great enthusiasm by her reference to ‘this lovely land of Wales’”.

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. During her visit the Queen officially opened the new Entrance A and Shearing Pavilion before taking in the sights of the show and presenting the official society awards and the Welsh Pony and Welsh Cob Stallion prizes in the main ring.

“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.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome a member of the Royal Family, especially our Patron, to our prestigious events and their popularity amongst society officials, members and show-goers is always overwhelming.

“The society would like to extend their very best wishes to Her Majesty on this special birthday and extend an open invitation for another visit to the showground in the future.”