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November 2026
Posted Sunday 1st November, 2026
Last month was a liitle unusual for us and very special as we were blessed to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne to the farm. Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque to commemorate a special milestone for us- 20 years of the farm being community owned.
The princess saw many groups and projects that make the farm what it is. She also took a short tour of some of the fields where farmer Ben explained about our foggage farming practises and how we sustainably manage the land.
As someone who has her own farm and animals, The Princess Royal was incredibly knowledgeable and able to relate to our team extremely well. There was a real connection as they chatted about farming, livestock and the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring our produce from the farm to your table.
🐷Ben said “It was great to talk to Princess Anne about my 100-year tenancy and why it is so good for the land. I shared how important it is for me to be able to plan long-term at Fordhall, whilst continuing Dad's organic legacy. As a farmer herself, The Princess was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly has a passion for the land.”
As part of her tour she met the Fordhall Events Catering team, also run by tenant farmer Ben. After starting on the farmers’ markets, he now caters across the country, including RHS Sandringham this year, and employs close to 150 local people
Towards the end of the visit, many of the farms’ founders and supporters gathered outside Arthur’s Farm Kitchen, where The Princess unveiled a plaque to commemorate the farm’s 20 years of community-ownership
Following this, all the Fordhall children had the opportunity to present a gift. Cousins, Katherine and Isabelle presented Fordhall books, Ben's youngest daughter, Lily, presented a local posy of flowers, and Ben's son, Jamie, had the hot spot with a hamper full of Fordhall goodies. Jamie even included a quiche he had made especially. It was an honour to be able to share these celebrations with our whole family. Plus, we have never seen Jamie grin quite so much!
Her tour concluded in the farm shop, where she was warmly welcomed by the team responsible for supplying the produce that you all know and love. There was a real connection as they chatted about farming, livestock and the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring our produce from the farm to your table.
We also had the opportunity to talk about the wide range of our nose-to-tail products, as well as the challenges of balancing customer demand with the whole carcass. It was a fascinating conversation and one that really highlighted the skill and care that goes into making the most of every part of the animal.
It was a privilege to share our farm, our people and our passion with The Princess Royal — and a wonderful way to mark such a special year in our story. 💚🌱
