His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, and Lady Lorimer have been presented with Lifetime Membership of the Royal Manx Agricultural Society in recognition of their support for Manx agriculture.

The presentation took place at the 2026 Royal Manx Agricultural Show shortly before the start of the Grand Parade.

The society said the honour recognised the couple’s ‘enthusiastic support’ for Manx agriculture, the rural community and the wider life of the Isle of Man throughout their time on the island.

Sir John was appointed as the Isle of Man’s 31st Lieutenant Governor in 2021 and was formally sworn in at Castle Rushen, Castletown, on September 29 that year.

Since arriving on the island, Sir John and Lady Lorimer have embraced many aspects of Manx life and have regularly attended agricultural and community events.

The Royal Manx Agricultural Society said they had taken a genuine interest in the people, families and businesses which form the backbone of the island’s rural economy, while supporting the agricultural industry wherever possible.

Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer were officially presented with the Lifetime Membership at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on Saturday. Photo by Callum Staley (CJS Photography)
Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer were officially presented with the Lifetime Membership at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on Saturday. Photo by Callum Staley (CJS Photography) (Callum Staley/CJS Photography )

Carol Kennaugh, secretary of the Royal Manx Agricultural Society, said: ‘Sir John and Lady Lorimer have been wonderful supporters of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and of Manx agriculture more widely throughout their time on the Island.

‘They have always shown a genuine interest in our farming community and in the people who work so hard to support and promote agriculture on the Isle of Man.

‘Whether attending the Show, meeting exhibitors or speaking with those involved in the industry, their enthusiasm and warmth have always been greatly appreciated.’

She added: ‘We were delighted to present them both with Lifetime Membership of the Society.

‘It is our way of thanking them for everything they have done to support our agricultural community, and it means they will always have a very special connection with the Royal Manx Agricultural Society.’

The Royal Show provided a celebration of the island’s agricultural life, with livestock, machinery, produce, rural skills and entertainment all featuring across the two-day event at Knockaloe Farm.

Photographs and reaction from this year’s show feature in this week’s Isle of Man Examiner, in shops on Tuesday.