The sun kept shining and so did the Duke's smile as the Royal Norfolk Show had a very special visitor on day two. 

The Duke of Edinburgh is no stranger to the summer spectacular, having served as its president back in 2012.

Thursday marked the Duke's first time at the event in several years.

Arriving by helicopter in the morning, Prince Edward made his way to the Norfolk Showground and warmly said his hellos to dignitaries and show organisers.

The Duke of Edinburgh being welcomed to the Royal Norfolk Show by Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Lady Dannatt.The Duke of Edinburgh being welcomed to the Royal Norfolk Show by Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Lady Dannatt. (Image: Sonya Duncan) Royal Norfolk Show chairman Robert Alston escorted the Duke to the pens where he was shown a dairy demonstration. From there, hundreds of people circled the livestock rings to catch a glimpse of the Duke as he presented trophies to handlers.

The Duke then made his way through an avenue, stopping off at the Jubilee Food Court on Queen Elizabeth II Drive. While there, the Duke chatted with several people, including 2024 Best Farming Champion Mark Gorton from Traditional Norfolk Poultry.

The Duke of Edinburgh congratulating Traditional Norfolk Poultry's Mark Gorton for winning best farming champion 2024.The Duke of Edinburgh congratulating Traditional Norfolk Poultry's Mark Gorton for winning best farming champion 2024. (Image: Sonya Duncan) "The Royal Family are huge supporters of organic farming and free range, just like what we do," he said. "His Royal Highness said he understands the challenges we in poultry farming have faced over the years.

"I can't lie. It’s been a rough few years with Brexit, inflation, labour shortages and avian influenza. You couldn’t make up what we’ve faced.

"Without a really good behind me, none of what we’ve achieved would have been possible. You can't be a champion on your own."

The Duke meeting people by the Jubilee Food Court.The Duke meeting people by the Jubilee Food Court. (Image: Sonya Duncan) The Duke then made his way to the President's Pavilion where he presented service awards to local people, including the certificate of fellowship to Howard Zelley. Mr Zelley's family jewellers in St Giles have looked after the Royal Norfolk Show's trophies for the past three decades.

The Duke presenting a certificate to Howard Zelley (centre).The Duke presenting a certificate to Howard Zelley (centre). (Image: Sonya Duncan) Mr Zelley's wife, Sue, said the recognition was a bittersweet occasion for her and her family.

"It's our final visit before we the younger generation take over the business," she said. "For 30 years, we've done everything. We've thoroughly enjoyed it and the 11 months of preparation that is part of makes this wonderful event what it is.

"His Royal Highness was very personable and he came over to spoke to me outside of the pavilion garden. I happened to be at the right place at the right time."

The Duke speaking with people along President's Avenue.The Duke speaking with people along President's Avenue. (Image: Sonya Duncan) After lunch, the Duke joined in celebrating Norfolk's Young Diamonds at the Grand Ring. The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Lady Dannatt commended the young carers, farmers and other diamonds who she said were "a fabulous example to others".

The marching band played the national anthem before the Duke made his way back through the avenues saying hello to passers-by.

The Duke of Edinburgh speaking with the drum major from the Duke of York's Military School marching band.The Duke of Edinburgh speaking with the drum major from the Duke of York's Military School marching band. (Image: Sonya Duncan) The Duke stopped for some ice cream at Norwich firm Ronaldo's (he opted for a tub of mint choc chip) before heading over to meet the winning the act from the Battle of the Bands competition.

His Royal Highness then met scouts and girl guides before making his way over to see some of the skills courses on offer at City College Norwich, Paston College and Easton College. During the Duke's tour highlighting some of the brightest of Norfolk's young people, he was shown around by East Norfolk Sixth Form principal and Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association trustee Dr Catherine Richards.

Dr Catherine Richard (left) showed the Duke around areas promoting young people of Norfolk.Dr Catherine Richard (left) showed the Duke around areas promoting young people of Norfolk. (Image: Sonya Duncan) "I was very privileged to show His Royal Highness the main activities being undertaken by young people and how Norfolk is supporting young people.

"His Royal Highness is really interested in how we can support young people and help grow their confidence and raise their aspirations, especially with his close interest in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

"It was a real privilege to be able to show His Royal Highness around this afternoon to show off what Norfolk's young people have to offer."

The Duke of Edinburgh with battle of the bands winners, Amourette.The Duke of Edinburgh with battle of the bands winners, Amourette. (Image: Sonya Duncan)