WELLIES were worn when a member of the Royal Family fed the buffalo at a famous farm near Basingstoke on Wednesday September 21.

HRH Sophie, the Countess of Wessex gamely swapped her glamorous heels for farm-friendly footwear during her visit to the Laverstoke Park farm of former Formula 1 Champion Jody Scheckter.

The 46-year-old countess fed week-old buffalo calves and met children from Overton Primary School before having lunch with Mr Scheckter and his wife Clare.

The countess, who is the wife of Prince Edward, also took a tour of the dairy unit.

The children, aged six and seven, chatted happily to the countess, who helped several of them with feeding the calves.

Overton Primary School headteacher Fiona Wyeth said: “I’m sure the children know that they have met someone very special, but I’m not sure how aware they are that they have met royalty.

“The countess seemed very natural and was very good with the children. I’m sure that the children will remember this day for a long time to come.”

Mr Scheckter said of the royal guest: “She particularly wanted to see the buffalos. The farm is organic and biodynamic and everything we do is about how healthy and tasty the food is. I think she wanted to see where our mozzarella comes from.”

Mrs Scheckter said the couple had extended an invitation to the countess after they heard she had expressed an interest in the farm after seeing their stall at the Royal Bath and West show.

She said: “It took months to organise the visit and hopefully she enjoyed seeing the water buffalo and the farm.

“She is our second royal visitor. We were lucky enough to welcome the Duke of Gloucester a few years ago. It’s wonderful that the Royal Family take an interest in organic farming,”

On her arrival the countess was greeted by Lord Lieutenant, Dame Mary Fagan, who introduced her to the Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Anna McNair Scott.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr David Leeks Leeks were also on hand with his wife Amanda to greet the countess, who arrived with assistant private secretary Mrs Philippa Southgate-Sands and Sergeant Charlie Sheppard.