Arriving in refined navy blue long gloves (which she removed once insider the conference) matching shoes and a cream skirt suit, The Princess Royal praised Queensland as a world leader in beef production and agricultural technologies and also for the State’s extraordinary resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The rural royal was also eager to support the importance of the conference’s theme of the sustainability of tomorrow’s agricultural shows, saying Brisbane provided “an excellent example of the reason agricultural shows and societies still have their relevance and place”. Her Royal Highness added: “It’s an exciting time to come here” referring to the impressive regeneration of the Brisbane Showgrounds project which is now in its fourth year.
The Princess Royal became President of the RASC in 2011 when the Duke of Edinburgh passed on the position to his daughter on his 90th birthday. As a very active farmer herself, who owns and runs a sprawling farm on Gatcombe Estate in Gloucestershire, where she lives and raises rare cattle breeds among other things, Princess Anne’s agricultural credentials are pretty impressive. And the royal certainly looked right at home at this special coming together of Commonwealth countries, held for the first time in Queensland and attended by more than 230 delegates from around the world.
Princess Anne is greeted by Lord John Vestey.
The RNA’s Brisbane Showgrounds is no stranger to hosting the Royal Family. In 1920, Edward, Prince of Wales visited the Brisbane Show; and in 1954 welcomed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh for Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to Australia as Queen.
The Princess Royal will be attending many of the sessions at the conference over the next couple of days and wants to mingle with delegates personally, talking to each and every one. This evening Her Royal Highness will make a start in true Aussie style meeting delegates at the RNA’s Great Australian BBQ held in Brisbane’s Showgrounds. And she’s in for a treat. Currently being prepared is a barbie fit for a Princess Royal, a succulent menu (see below) of the best Aussie produce.
Amuse-bouche
The d’œuvre were made of Smoked Mount Cotton chicken with field mushroom duxell.
Salad Station
The Princess was able to build her own Caesar salad from baby cos leaves, free range eggs, shaved parmesan, bacon, crouton, as well as a mixed leaf salad with vinaigrette option, and a baby potato salad.
Seafood Station
From the meats, the Princess Royal chose from Grilled Sunshine Coast King prawns marinated in lemon Myrtle, Barbecued Beef City Platinum Boneless Short Rib, Roasted Swift Premium Eye Fillet (award-winning at our Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show), Slow cooked Riverina Angus Beef Cheeks, Grilled great southern lamb cutlets, all served with condiments and artisan bread rolls.
Cheese Station
From the Cheese Station, Her Royal Highness could select Mil lel percorino (award-winning at our Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show), King Island Discovery Ash Brie (award-winning at our Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show) and Homemade damper with chives.
Sweet Station
The dessert table boasted individual pavlovas with fresh seasonal fruits, and lamington trifle
