Prince William charmed locals with a candid farm moment today, getting up close and personal with a flock of sheep while visiting a Herefordshire farm.
In his role as patron of We Are Farming Minds, the Prince of Wales met Laura and John Bowler in Much Cowarne, near Bromyard.
Mr. Bowler couldn’t resist a laugh when the Duke arrived and teased, “You’re here about the pruning job, I think it’s perfect timing, I’m planning a vacation soon.”
William replied, “Yes, it is…leave it to me.” After sharing a warm cup of local cider, he quickly got his hands dirty.
It wasn’t all without problems, branches had a mind of their own and whipped back unexpectedly.
“It’s going to be a tricky one up there!” the prince joked, guided by John Bowler, who reminded him that the height makes every cut a little more difficult.
Declaring a stubborn branch a “real lumberjack moment” once freed, William displayed both his practical skills and casual humour.
Taking over the farm aged just 19 after his father’s death, Mr. Bowles the royal visit as a “massive honour.”
He admitted that he had initially tried to keep William’s arrival a secret, but eventually convinced his wife, Laura, to take a day off to share the experience.
“It’s incredible that he takes an interest, promotes Farming Minds and sees why this work is so important,” said Mr. Bowler.
Laura described the visit as a whirlwind that gave them a much-needed boost during the toughest time of the year.
Winter is usually spent sorting things out and planning ahead, but the royal visit lifted their spirits and for them the thought that it could inspire even a small farm to feel seen and appreciated made it all the more worthwhile.
