As an avid supporter of the countryside and the farming industry, selected livestock breeders showcased their stock to King Charles, speaking of their family businesses and passion for the sector.
Tracy Pickard, a third-generation farmer from Great Harwood, Lancashire, has, she said, been coming to Clitheroe auction since she was a child, and to show her family's stock to The King was an honour.
Having bred Lonks for over 64 years, today was a chance to show off the native breed of the county.
"They are known for being bred on the Pennine Moors and today was a privilege," she said.
"He said they were fine looking animals, and it is nice to know The King supports [us]. This was important – he took the time to come, and he is well-known for backing farmers."
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Ms Pickard said it is important that auction marts thrive; they are a key part of the rural community and not only to sell livestock. The wellbeing and social aspects are important too.
But farmers are also facing challenges, she said, and the role of farmers is sometimes misunderstood.
"We do look after the environment because if we did not, we are not doing our job properly.
"It goes beyond food security – there are so many jobs that stem from farming."
In the sale ring The King met Wellbrow Black Pearl, a Fell Pony related to the late Queen's Fell Pony Emma, and made a speech, delivered to a round of applause from those watching, stating how ‘vital' the farming sector is.
He said: "I started the Countryside Fund nearly 20 years ago and I hope to some degree this is at least contributing to the welfare, and the adaptability of farmers to the endless challenges and complications you have to meet.
"I do have some appreciation of what you have to put up with but thank God for marts like this and all the people associated, like Field Nurse (a farming health charity) and everybody else.
"I hope you have a successful coming season, weather and climate change permitting.
"It is remarkable how you manage and I admire that hugely."
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Richard Schofield, founder of rural health organisation Field Nurse, was delighted the charity received a mention from The King in his speech and said The King ‘knows how important' the charity is, having been invited to Buckingham Palace on a previous occasion.
Rod Spence, chairman of directors at Clitheroe auction and Duchy of Lancaster tenant said to have been able to lead the King around the mart was ‘amazing'.
He is the second generation to farm at Burholme Farm in Whitewell near Clitheroe.
"The auction is a focal point and gives farmers a chance to come together," said Mr Spence.
"Think of the isolation if everybody started selling direct.
"Here we have accountants, advice, solicitors, health – full support for the agricultural community.
"The King has been fantastic and has real knowledge – he has blown me over and he was not expected to make a speech."
The King's latest documentary, Harmony, offers insight into his enthusiasm for the natural world, reflecting a lifetime championing nature and being somewhat ahead of the curve.
His commitment to sustainable practices during his early years were often frowned upon, but over the years the King's ideas have become more commonplace, and Highgrove, in Gloucestershire, has become a blueprint for his organic gardening and farming techniques.
