The New Forest Show will receive the royal seal of approval for the second year in a row.

Organisers of the three-day countryside extravaganza announced today that the Earl and Countess of Wessex will pay a visit on Wednesday July 31.

Last year thousands of people dressed up in red, white and blue to welcome the Queen on her final visit of her International Diamond Jubilee tour.

Show President Mike Richards said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Earl and Countess of Wessex will be coming round the showground. They will be getting involved in the whole programme of events.”

The theme of the show, which runs from Tuesday July 30 until August 1 is ‘Get Involved’ so visitors can become part of life in the forest.

The visit from Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in 2012 boosted the profile of the popular Show to its highest level yet.

Show Chairman Geoff Morgan said: “The royal visit was definitely a highlight last year, so I can’t wait for the The Earl and Countess of Wessex to have a look round.

“They are such a great couple and have done a good deal in Hampshire, as the Countess is very fond of the New Forest.”

Mr Morgan announced this would be his final year as Chairman after working at the Show for 56 years and holding the executive spot for the last 13.

He said: “I will definitely keep coming back and giving my time as a volunteer instead. I can remember when I was a runner for the pig section, the show has changed so much in the last few years and I am immensely proud of all we have achieved.”