Prince Charles at The Royal Show 2008

"Oh! Hello ... how are you?", the Duchess of Cornwall greeted me as she rounded the very corner where I had strategically positioned myself ... now with my Zeiss camera lens so uncomfortably close to her startled face!

I quickly dropped the camera to my side and stammered nervously, "Oh, how do you do. I'm so pleased to meet you," ... then quickly adding, " ... your Royal Highness."

She smiled and shook my hand gently before turning to HRH Prince Charles who was already engaged in conversation with an Australian visitor to my left.

With all this 'small talk', my opportunity to photograph the heir apparent was fast diminishing and either I pushed forward in the hope of a cordial handshake with Prince Charles himself, or I retrieved my camera ... along with my composure, impolitely focussed my lens at close quarters, and quickly shot an eagerly anticipated 'Royal Portrait' before they moved on! I decided on the latter as being the best course of action.

'Prince Charles and Camilla being greeted by Lord and Lady Salisbury'

I had never before been in such close proximity to British Royalty, and this gloriously sunny day at the 'Royal Show' in Warwickshire, presented a wonderful opportunity to obtain some spectacularly close-up shots of both the heir to the British throne and his wife Camilla.

Prince Charles and Camilla

HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were making an official visit to the Royal Show on Friday 4 July 2008. The Royal Show has, for many years, offered a rich and diverse array of rural displays, attractions and demonstrations on all aspects of farming and country living. Their Royal Highnesses had been welcomed by an official party including The Marquis of Salisbury, President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and Hugh Oliver-Bellasis, Chairman of the RASE Trustees.

'The Coaching Marathon'

The Royal Show began in 1839 and this was the celebration of its 159th year. For 23 years the Royal Show moved from place to place each year but in 1962 was permanantly sited at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire - home of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. This international country event boasts over 1,000 trade stands, world-class lifestock and equine classes and attracts visitors from over 100 countries.

'The Parade of Hounds'

Once again Paul Wright Jewellery was exhibiting a fabulous new range of handmade silver and gold jewellery designs for the 2008 season. However, in addition to the unique shopping opportunities at 'The Royal', there were many other attractions and country events to entertain the expectant crowds. I was personally fascinated by two impressive events which I was fortunate enough to attend during the four day event. The first was the 'Coaching Marathon & Hornblowing Competition' and the second was the 'Parade of Hounds' by kind permission of The Masters. I managed to film both events and include a glimpse of the excitement in the short movie presentation below.

'The Cattle Lines'

Despite the problems experienced with livestock movement, due to the recent 'bluetongue' restrictions, the Cattle Lines were still a popular attraction with an impressive display of cattle breeds including Simmental, Longhorn, Aberdeen Angus, Sussex, Charlais and Linclon Red to name but a few! The Prince of Wales made a point of personally paying a visit to the Cattle Lines while the Duchess visited the the Flower Hall and equine areas.

However, at this point, I had long since departed, having captured the Royal images I came for ... along with some words of advice to help me on my way from one of the smartly suited security men who always accompanies His Royal Highness, "OK that's enough, clear off!"

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