The King couldn’t hide his amusement as being given a new title tonight – ‘King of the Compost’.
The monarch was given a badge in honour of his environmental work by schoolchildren at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, while his wife was handed one which read ‘Queen of the Bees’.
Their Majesties were visiting the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden, designed by Harry Holding and children from Sulivan Primary School in London.
‘Oh, ooh thank you very much,’ Charles said.
Looking at the name on badge he chortled: ‘Oh hahaha. Quite right! ‘
The King looked delighted to be back in action today as he visited a garden designed by children at Chelsea Flower Show
The King couldn’t hide his amusement as being given a new title tonight – ‘King of the Compost’. He is pictured with children from Sulivan Primary School in London
Their Majesties were visiting the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden, designed by Harry Holding and children from Sulivan Primary School in London
To enter the garden he and Queen Camilla had to pay a ‘forfeit’ – handing over a posey of flowers
To enter the garden he and Queen Camilla had to pay a ‘forfeit’ – handing over a posey of flowers beginning with the first letter of their names. The couple chose Camellias from the Buckingham Palace gardens for Charles and Camilla.
Chatting with some of the youngsters he told them: ‘Very nice to meet you, you haven’t been hanging around for too long? No homework. So is this all your thoughts? Has it come out how you wanted it? ‘
He loved the idea they wanted a slide and some water.
‘So can you drop from there into the water,’ he asked, fascinated.
‘Are you allowed to try it. But no tubes to go down?
‘Are you trying to grow vegetables? There’s nothing more fun than eating something you have grown. You should try it. It makes such a difference. It tastes so different. ‘
King Charles also saw wicker statues of his dogs in the garden
Camilla looked in her element to be chatting with school children
His Majesty appeared to be on fine form as he toured the gardens having been given permission by his doctors to attend while undergoing cancer treatment.
He arrived in a smaller royal party than recent years which included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princes and Princess Michael of Kent.
There was also a small group of friends and relatives including Queen Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes, and her husband Harry, her sister, Annabel Elliot and the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
The couple split up for the first half of their visit, Queen Camilla – like her husband a keen gardener – constantly wandering off course as something colourful caught her eye.
She declared the Sue Ryder garden ‘so peaceful, so lovely’ and popped her head round the Bees for Development stand, an organisation she is president off.
‘I have bees of my own,’ she proudly declared.
She seemed particularly ticked at being told she was going to tour the Netflix Bridgerton garden and admitted she had watched the rather raunchy popular series about the love lives of Georgian aristocrats.
‘Aha, I watched first lot,’ she said with a twinkle in her eye, in reference to the first series.
Camilla also headed into the Bridgerton garden, where she revealed she’s watched the racy show
Queen Camilla (centre) during a visit to The Bridgerton Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Camilla reacts as she visits The Bridgerton Garden
She was entranced by a stone bench that popped open to reveal a hidden draw containing diaries and documents.
‘Oh my goodness me, how very exciting!’ she exclaimed.
‘It’s very peaceful with the water. The freesias are out and looking beautiful. ‘
Loyally, she also couldn’t resist stopping by a stand run by her husband’s Highgrove charity initiative where she was shown two stunning life-size willow replicas of her Battersea rescue dogs, Beth and Bluebell, made by talented Emma Stothard, accompanied by hand-painted bowls with their names on
‘Oh look at them and look at their bowls! She said.
Asked if they were as naughty as her two, she laughed and said: ‘I hope so!’
‘They are absolutely adorable. Look at their lovely scarves. I saw a very good picture of them on the train on the way down. She’s brilliant. ‘
Told she was being given the bowls, the Queen smiled and said: ‘I’ve got just the right place for them.’
Touring the rest of the site together during their hour-long visit, the King and Queen were particularly taken by Plankbridge Shepherds Huts, a business started with a Prince’s Trust grant founded by Charles.
‘Look at the loo!’ pointed the Queen as she spotted a bespoke Shepherd’s Hut toilet. Charles gave a guffaw of laugher.
Charles, 75, was joined by Queen Camilla looked in his element to be back to work as he chatted to wellwishers in the soaring spring heat.
The couple, both avid gardeners, were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent for the occasion, which is a staple in the royal calendar.
Camilla opted for springtime chic in a blue peacock print dress, while His Majesty decided to wear blue suit with a flower lapel.
It’s one of Charles’s first public events following his return to work after his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Charles is a keen horticulturalist and looked enthused at the gardens
The king opted for a blue suit and light blue tie
Camilla opted fort a blue peacock print dress for the occasion
Charles chatted to the UK’s favourite gardener Alan Titchmarsh during the event
Charles seemed in his element to be back at work
The couple are keen horticulturalists and were delighted with the visit to west London
Camilla also posed with with wicker dog replicas of her Jack Russels, Bluebell and Beth at the Highgrove Garden during a visit to The Bridgerton Garden
Camilla recently revealed Charles was ‘thrilled’ to return to royal duties and joked that she had been ‘trying to hold him back’ during his cancer treatment.
The Queen, 76, spoke about the monarch’s dedication to his work’ during her reception at Buckingham Palace to relaunch the Wash Bags Project.
The monarch, 75, returned to public duties last month after doctors said they were pleased with his progress following his cancer diagnosis in February.
As part of their visit, Charles and Camilla will see the No Adults Allowed Garden, the first garden in the history of the show to be designed by children.
The allotment features wetland, woodlands and meadows to encourage young people to take an interest in the environment.
Camilla also posed with with wicker dog replicas of her Jack Russells, Bluebell and Beth at the Highgrove Garden during a visit to The Bridgerton Garden.
While visiting the garden, she said that she had watched some of the racy Netflix show that shared it’s namesake with allotment.
The royal family will be greeted by President of the Royal Horticultural Society, Keith Weed, before touring the gardens and viewing the stunning flower displays.
The family also met with Alan Titchmarsh, who wore his Royal Horticultural Society medals – 20 years on from recieving them.
The King’s attendance is another positive step for the monarch who has been gradually getting back to public duties amid his cancer treatment.
Charles has had a long-standing relationship with the RHS, regularly attending the Flower Show over the years.
Camilla recently revealed Charles was ‘thrilled’ to return to royal duties and joked that she had been ‘trying to hold him back’ during his cancer treat
Camilla is pictured in the Bridgerton garden. She revealed she’s watched the Netflix show of the same name
The couple also visited a Japanese garden as part of the tour
Ahead of the nation’s favourite gardening event, Charles was announced as the new patron, taking over from his mother Queen Elizabeth II who died in September 2022.
Queen Elizabeth became Patron of the Society on accession to the throne in 1952, meaning she held the title for over 72 years.
Established in 1913, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has become one of the world’s greatest showcases for horticultural excellence, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the globe.
Since its beginning, it has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to over 500 today, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays, and trade stands.
Today the show attracts 168,000 visitors and is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society which was founded in 1804.
Dozens of celebrity guest attend Chelsea Flower Show every year. Another royal attending the event is Lady Amelia Windsor, who looked very summery.
The royal, 28, is King Charles‘s second cousin once removed and 43rd in line to the throne as the granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
She has been working with the team at Kent Wildflower Seeds to bring their first garden of wild flowers to the 2024 show, which runs from May 21 to May 25.
Amelia, who was once dubbed the ‘most beautiful’ member of the royal family, returned from a whirlwind trip to Venice to attend the show and offered her ‘creativity and support’ to the display.
The royal looked radiant in a red gingham pattern maxi dress, which looked perfect for the warm weather.
It was complete with a halter neckline for a stylish look, and the blonde beauty added chunky white trainers to keep it casual.
Charles appeared to be delighted to be back to work
The King basked in the summer heat
The final results of the flower display were stunning, with the range of wildflowers including yellow rattle, common toadflax and ragged robin.
One standout element was a series of drawers, from which the wildflowers sprouted for a wild but aesthetically pleasing look.
Meanwhile artist Claire Basler painted a ‘magical’ backdrop for the wildflower display including musk mallow, clover, daisies, fennel and wild carrot.
‘So excited and honoured to be a very small part of the team for Kent Wildflower Seeds’s first garden at the Chelsea Flower Show,’ Lady Amelia wrote on her Instagram page.
Amelia, who is a Lady as her father is George Windsor, the Earl of Andrews, previously studied French and Italian at the University of Edinburgh.
As well as being a freelance gardening writer, she is a model signed with Storm Management.
Lady Amelia Windsor looked very summery on Monday as she debuted her first-ever display at the Chelsea Flower Show
She has been working with the team at Kent Wildflower Seeds to bring their first garden of wild flowers to the 2024 show
The royal, 28, is King Charles ‘s second cousin once removed and 43rd in line to the throne as the granddaughter of Prince Edward , Duke of Kent
The royal looked radiant in a red gingham pattern maxi dress, which looked perfect for the warm weather
Amelia was onsite for the event after returning from a whirlwind trip to Venice
Amelia has offered her ‘creativity and support’ to the display, according to Kent Wildflowers
Kent Wildflowers wrote on Instagram: ‘Our Chelsea display is complete. Building this has been an incredible experience and I can’t really put into words how proud I am of the fact that we are displaying at the worlds most prestigious flower show.
‘The judges are deliberating in the marquee and the press preview awaits us. Chelsea here we come!’
The show kicked off in style with a visit from Princess Diana’s nieces Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer.
What’s more, horticulturist Monty Don, 68, looked dapper in a navy suit, which he paired with a light blue shirt and turquoise patterned tie. Fellow broadcast gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh was also in attendance, and had a chat with the King.
Dame Mary Berry was another high-profile guest who cut a sophisticated figure on the opening day of Chelsea Flower Show.
The writer and presenter, 89, opted for a pink-and-yellow paisley dress, which she paired with some nude mules.
Giving a nod to the exhibits, former CBBC presenter Angellica Bell looked elegant in a green floral mini dress with stylish puff sleeves and a statement bow.
Lady Amelia Windsor, garden designer’s Tabi Jackson and Charlotte Denne, and author Victoria Bennett in the Kent Wildflower Seeds garden, during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The final results were stunning, with the range of wildflowers including yellow rattle, common toadflax and ragged robin
Artist Claire Basler painted a ‘magical’ backdrop for the wildflower display including musk mallow, clover, daisies, fennel and wild carrot
Daisy Edgar-Jones brought the A-list glamour to the Chelsea Flower Show at The Royal Hospital on Monday afternoon during the VIP and press preview day.
Joan Collins, her husband Percy Gibson and Amanda Holden were among the other star arrivals at the annual show who were spotted soaking up the scenery.
The actress, 25, looked elegant in a white maxi dress, which featured ruched detailing and was teamed with a pair of snakeskin heels.
The Where The Crawdads Sing star wore her brunette locks in soft waves and opted for a natural coverage of make-up, highlighting her pretty features.
Meanwhile, Joan, 90, cut an elegant figure in a blush blazer, which she wore with a pair of smart trousers and a simple but chic blouse.
Daisy Edgar-Jones brought the A-list glamour to the Chelsea Flower Show at The Royal Hospital on Monday afternoon during the VIP and press preview day
Joan Collins, her husband Percy Gibson and Amanda Holden were among the other star arrivals at the annual show who were spotted soaking up the scenery
Also making an appearance at the Chelsea Flower show was Amanda Holden who wore a pretty pink dress as she arrived with her mother Judith
Amanda, 53, looked incredible in the leaf print dress, which she teamed with a cropped jacket and a pair of strappy red sandals
The actress, 25, looked elegant in a white maxi dress, which featured ruched detailing and was teamed with a pair of snakeskin heels
Joan accessorised with a floral buttonhole and a large straw hat, which was decorated with a huge white bow
Joan accessorised with a floral buttonhole and a large straw hat, which was decorated with a huge white bow.
She posed alongside her dapper husband Percy, 69, who looked smart in a double-breasted blazer, which he wore with a blue shirt and cream chinos.
Also making an appearance at the Chelsea Flower show was Amanda Holden who wore a pretty pink dress as she arrived with her chic mother Judith.
Amanda, 53, looked incredible in the leaf print dress, which she teamed with a cropped jacket and a pair of strappy red sandals.
She wore her bouncy blown out locks loose and sported a pair of oversized stylish sunglasses to complete the look.
Elsewhere, Nick Knowles was spotted packing on the PDA with his fiancée Katie Dadzie as they attended together.
The DIY SOS presenter, 61, shared a sweet kiss with the sex toy business owner, 34, as they strolled in the sun at the event held annually.
Nick looked smart in a light blue suit jacket, beige chinos and a white linen shirt for the occasion.
Joan looked glowing in pink tones as she made a fashionable arrival
. She posed alongside her dapper husband Percy, 69, who looked smart in a double-breasted blazer, which he wore with a blue shirt and cream chinos
She wore her bouncy blown out locks loose and sported a pair of oversized stylish sunglasses to complete the look
She wore stylish shades to shield her eyes from the bright sun
Meanwhile Katie looked summer chic in a flowery midi dress and wedges, while accessorizing with a white leather bag
Nick Knowles packed on the PDA with his fiancée Katie Dadzie
The DIY SOS presenter, 61, shared a sweet kiss with the sex toy business owner, 34, as they strolled in the sun at the event
Nick looked smart in a light blue suit jacket, beige chinos and a white linen shirt for the occasion
Kate put on a glamorous display in a plaid suit and pink top
She attended with her parents Marilyn Garraway and Gordon Garraway
Nick Grimshaw cut a cool figure in a star print shirt and black trousers
Angellica Bell looked lovely in a green mini dress with puff sleeves and a pussybow tie
Lady Amelia Windsor opted for a trendy red gingham summer dress
Aisling Bea was rocking a black heart-print knit jumper over a pale blue dress
Alex cut a summery figure in a cream floral dress with tiered detailing
Bruno Toniolo looked dashing in a blue suit with a half unbuttoned white shirt
Anthea Turner opted for a pretty checked blouse with linen trousers
Laura Tobin weathers through special effect rain and engineered flooding, highlighting how adapting outside spaces can protect against heavy rainfall
Meanwhile Katie looked summer chic in a flowery midi dress and wedges, while accessorizing with a white leather bag.
She boosted her height with the heels and wore a wicker hat while styling her long brunette tresses into loose waves.
Great British Bake Off stars Prue Leith and Mary Berry both looked great in flowery summer dresses, while athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, 38, who wore a white knitted co-ord.
Elsewhere Carol Vorderman, 63, showed off her gorgeous curves in a denim jumpsuit as she posed with chic Charlotte Hawkins.
Myleene Klass, Alan Titchmarsh, Monty Don and Jane and Marcus Wareing where among the other guests at the event.
Nick announced he was set to marry Katie in August last year.
But Speaking to The Sun at the Inspirational Women Awards last month, he explained how the couples ‘busy schedules’ have got in the way of a wedding being planned.
Nick said: ‘Not yet. Still haven’t decided. Still thinking about it.
She gave a friendly wave as she arrived
Elsewhere Carol Vorderman, 63, showed off her gorgeous curves in a denim jumpsuit as she posed with chic Charlotte Hawkins (left)
She had her physique on display in the figure-hugging number that was teamed with blue trainers
Carol looked in great spirits as she arrived
TV presenter Charlotte, 49, looked gorgeous in her flowery summer dress
Also making an appearance at the Chelsea Flower show was athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, 38, who wore a chic white knitted co-ord
She looked great in the pretty top and matching skirt
Gabby Logan attends The RHS Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea
Great British Bake Off stars Prue Leith (seen) and Mary Berry both looked great in flowery summer dresses
Mary, 89, looked beautiful in the colourful number
She shared a laugh with Alan Titchmarsh at the event
Alan wore a light blue suit as he posed for a snap with Mary
Mary was sure to bump into her former Bake Off co-star Paul Hollywood who looked dashing in a blue shirt
The One Show’s Alex Jones wore a pretty white and blue ruffled dress
Bridgerton’s Hannah Dodd wore a blue denim co-ord
The Crown actor Josh O’Connor wore a beige shirt and white trousers
Simon Cowell’s partner Lauren Silverman wore a white dress as she posed with Bruno Kelly Hoppen and Melissa Odabash
Lauren looked great in the chic white dress that was cinched in at the waist
‘I’ve been away too much with all the travel shows I’ve been doing. Katie’s been very busy with the company.’
The TV personality continued: ‘And as that gets busier, the time to be able to find, to disappear for a week in the schedule gets more and more difficult.’
Nick and Katie became engaged in New Orleans in August 2023 with the couple announcing the happy news on Instagram.
Katie, who is 27 years DIY SOS host Nick’s junior, looked delighted in a series of snaps, which included Nick proposing while down on one knee.
Another picture saw her grinning from ear-to-ear as she showed off the ring Nick had given her which was in fact a gummy sweet.
She captioned her post: ‘So last minute something special happened in New Orleans.’
Nick wrote: ‘There was a Haribo ring incident in New Orleans. Very happy.’
TV star Nick, who split from his wife Jessica Rose Moor in 2016, made his first appearance with Katie in September 2021, after ending his romance with PR guru Emily Hallinan in February 2020.
Nick and Katie made their public debut as a couple at a restaurant in Bath after being friends for several years.
Chef Marcus Wareing and his wife Jane also made an appearance at the event
Prue put on an animated display with a statue
Actress Joely Richardson wore a light pink suit
She made her way through the foliage
Gaby Roslin and Ellie Taylor both brought the summer vibes in their chic outfits
Comedian Ellie wore a pretty flowery dress and wedges
BBC presenter Carol Kirkwood looked lovely in a chic white dress
The dress was teamed with pretty silver sequin shoes
Gardener Monty Don looked dapper in a navy linen suit
Chris Packham was busy getting in on all the gardening action
Actor Rob Brydon also made an appearance
Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer (right) made chic appearances
Actor David Mitchell arrived in a black linen jacket
Nick Grimshaw wore a black and white shirt
Bruno Tonioli wore a summery light grey suit
Joanna Lumley looked like she was having a great time
She posed up a storm in her chic ensemble
Author Raven Smith wore a stylish colourful co-ord
Actress Lisa Riley wore a pretty blue patterned dress
Lisa with her partner at the show with her fiancé Al, who she has been in a relationship with for nine years
It matched perfectly with her blue fascinator
Dame Arlene Phillips wore a summery yellow dress
Brian May and daughter Louisa May were among the stars at the show
Twiggy aka Dame Lesley Lawson and Leigh Lawson
Meanwhile, Trinny Woodhall spent the morning welcoming guests into her pop-up store on the King’s Road in line with the launch of Chelsea in Bloom
He was also previously married to Gillian Knowles from 1996 to 2000.
Katie has daughters Savannah, eight, and Alex, five, from a previous relationship, whereas Nick has four children from three different relationships.
He shares his daughter Tuesday and son Charlie with his ex-wife Gillian, while he shares another son, TJ, with dancer Paula Beckett.
Nick also has son Eddie, who was born in 2014, with his ex-wife Jessica, and the presenter met girlfriend Katie through his youngest son.
This year’s flower show is being billed as ‘one of the greenest’ with a focus on sustainability and the climate crisis
Aiming to raise awareness of more natural, open looking roses which are easier for bees to pollinate, breeders at Harkness Roses said there is a growing trend for a simpler flower with fewer petals
This year at the Chelsea Flower Show, all the large gardens have gone through a ‘green audit’ as part of efforts to reduce the event’s environmental footprint
Established in 1913, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has become one of the world’s greatest showcases for horticultural excellence, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the globe
Since its beginning, it has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to over 500 today, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays, and trade stands