The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has just announced Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as the Association’s new Patron.

Shooting Times contributor Dr Mike Swan, who is a senior advisor at the GWCT said: “HRH is a great supporter of the countryside and country sports. As a BASC member for almost 50 years, I am delighted that she has taken on this role.”

Lindsay Waddell, former chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) and a retired gamekeeper said: “It is an honour for BASC to have someone of the standing of HRH Princess Royal as their new Patron and a real tonic for field sports in general.”

BASC Council chairman, Eoghan Cameron, said: “We are privileged that The Princess Royal has accepted the invitation to become our new Patron. The news has been warmly welcomed by all at BASC and I wish to extend our deepest thanks to Her Royal Highness on behalf of our membership, staff and Council for her kind agreement.”

The Princess Royal visited BASC’s stand at this year’s Game Fair to present Distinguished Service Awards, which were established this year in honour of her late father, HRH Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh was a committed conservationist and Patron of WAGBI, and then BASC, for 53 years until his death in 2021.

Mr Cameron added: “BASC was delighted to have The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence visit our stand at the Game Fair. Having Her Royal Highness present the BASC Prince Philip Distinguished Service Awards was a great honour for both of the recipients, and I know that the time she took to speak with staff and volunteers assisting at the show was greatly appreciated by all involved.

“BASC very much looks forward to working with The Princess Royal as our Patron.”