Prince William and Duchess of Edinburgh join forces for rare royal engagement in Princess Kate's absence

Their Royal Highnesses began their visit together at the Royal Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion, where they viewed displays from numerous artisan food and drink producers from across the county.

The pavilion features Cornish cheeses, preserves, spirits and other local specialities.

The venue hosts annual awards including best newcomer and the overall Cornish Food Champion.

Following their joint engagement at the food pavilion, the Duke and Duchess separated to undertake individual visits to different areas of the sprawling showground.

The Duke of Cornwall visited the Duchy of Cornwall hub, where the show is highlighting rural mental health through various local charities.

Representatives from organisations including Pentreath Cornwall Rural Community Charity, Georgia's Voice, Kooth, Man Down, PAPRUS and Sunrise greeted Prince William at the hub.

The focus on mental health support for farming tenants aligns with the Duke's longstanding commitment to mental health advocacy.

William then toured the Local Nature Partnership Regenerative/Agricultural education hub, hosted by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership and Cornwall Council.

The hub brings together organisations to discuss preserving traditional farming skills whilst supporting future regenerative agricultural practices.

The Duke presented the Duke of Cornwall's award, which recognises farm businesses that have successfully implemented sustainable approaches to farming, forestry or food production within Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly.

The Duchess of Edinburgh visited LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), an organisation of which she is patron that promotes sustainable food and farming practices through circular approaches to agriculture and food systems.

She then met with Girl Guides who have supported the Royal Cornwall Show for many years.

The Guides work as a messaging team during the event, delivering results from livestock rings and other sections to the Show Office.

The Duchess's tour continued to the cattle, pig and sheep areas, as well as the countryside section of the showground.

Before departing, both Their Royal Highnesses signed the Royal Cornwall Show visitor book.

This marks the Duchess of Edinburgh's first visit to the show since 2014.

The Royal Cornwall Show was established in 1793 by The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, which aims to promote and support the improvement of agriculture and associated industries.

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Beginning with ploughing classes and machinery innovation, the event quickly expanded to include livestock sections.

Now in its 232nd year, the show has grown to become one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country, attracting approximately 120,000 visitors annually.

The event serves as both a business networking opportunity and a popular day out for families and friends.

The show celebrates Cornish heritage and tradition through rural skills demonstrations, woodland sections, local food and drink, and entertainment provided by local artists, choirs and bands.

It showcases the best of Cornwall's agricultural community whilst preserving centuries-old farming traditions.