Duchess Sophie visits Hampshire farm ahead of Open Farm Sunday on 7 June

Duchess Sophie paid a visit to farmers at the Leckford Estate in Hampshire on Thursday, ahead of Open Farm Sunday on 7 June, the royal family announced in a social media statement on Friday.

Visit in her role as LEAF Honorary President

The Duchess of Edinburgh undertook the visit in her capacity as Honorary President of LEAF — Linking Environment And Farming — as part of the build-up to this year's Open Farm Sunday celebrations.

According to the statement, "Open Farm Sunday, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has given over 3.5 million people the opportunity to visit working farms, meet the people who produce their food and learn more about the vital role farming plays in the environment, the economy and rural communities."

During her time at the estate, Duchess Sophie joined the LEAF team in preparing the site for the upcoming event, helping set up a haybale maze and hanging welcome banners around the grounds.

One of the monarchy's most active representatives

Duchess Sophie is the wife of Prince Edward, the youngest brother of King Charles III. She is widely regarded as one of the most active members of the royal family, regularly representing the monarch at engagements both within the United Kingdom and abroad.