Kent Women’s cricket team officially received their County Championship trophy from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

The team attended a lunchtime reception at the Lord’s Taverners’ head office before making the short journey to Buckingham Palace.

Kent captain Charlotte Edwards introduced the players individually to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who handed out their medals and the team trophy.

Having retained the title they won in 2011, Kent have now won a record-equalling five championships, which is the same as Sussex and Yorkshire.

Kent Cricket Board, Operations Director, Clair Gould commented; “County champions for a fifth year, and with six England players in the 2012 squad, the Kent Women’s team are consistent achievers, something which the people of Kent can be very proud of.

“The team are outstanding and continue to inspire many young girls to play cricket. This half term the inspiration continues in earnest when girls can be coached by three of the Kent and England players in Bexley, and where volunteers can learn how to support girls to play sport too. We look forward to motivating more young girls to develop their cricket skills, and to even greater success stories for Kent Women in the future.”

Picture supplied by Simon Williams