Princess Anne has visited a Herefordshire agricultural company that is celebrating 200 years in business.

The Princess Royal visited E L Lewis and Son at the firm's farm in Dilwyn as part of her visit to Herefordshire on Tuesday, July 19.

She visited the farm after spending the morning at the Royal Welsh Show.

On arrival at the Haven, her Royal Highness was introduced to local dignitaries by the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley.

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She was then introduced to the family by Edward Lewis, who then took her through a timeline of the family's involvement in the Hereford breed through the last 200 years.

The Hereford is one of the oldest British native breeds of cattle.

For centuries, herds have been roaming rural pastures producing the highest quality, free-range, grass-fed beef.

The family's history in the industry explained with the help of numerous historic photographs, many of which included other Royal Family members.

 

Princess Anne with Edward, Billy and Ben Lewis in the paddocks at the Haven in Dilwyn. Pictures courtesy of Hereford Cattle

Princess Anne with Edward, Billy and Ben Lewis in the paddocks at the Haven in Dilwyn. Pictures courtesy of Hereford Cattle

 

The Princess Royal viewed cattle destined for the National Hereford Show before meeting the next generation of custodians of the family’s cattle breeding, Ben and Billy Lewis in the paddocks.

They discussed the future of Hereford breeding, including embryo work and the benefits of utilising paddock grazing and herbal leys in their systems.

Finally, the Princess was invited to present long service awards to Mike Chandler, Mark Hooper and Andrew Baugh who accumulatively have worked for the Lewis family for over 146 years.

Before leaving the farm, 91-year-old Nancy Wellings, who previously worked for the family, presented a posy to the princess and while Carol Lewis presented a hamper of local Hereford produce.

After her visit, Princess Anne went on to visit Herefordshire military mine clearance experts Safelane Global near Ross-on-Wye.

Edward Lewis said how much of an honour it was to have had a royal visit for their 200th anniversary.

He said: "As a family, we were delighted to be able to welcome The Princess Royal to The Haven and share our history and passion of Hereford cattle with her."