Entertainment
Alan Titchmarsh recalls ‘cherished’ letter sent by Prince Philip ahead of Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral
Alan Titchmarsh spoke about a heartfelt letter he was sent by the late Duke of Edinburgh during the coverage of the royal funeral on Saturday.
Prince Philip sent the note to the TV gardener, 71, to detail the work he had done in the parks of royal residences.
The former Ground Force star said the Duke had a keen interest in gardening and added he would be ‘kept on my toes when I was with him’.
Alan said the Duke would always look at someone with ‘a twinkly eye or beady eye’, and revealed they spoke about many topics to do with looking after the parks, as Philip was custodian of 5,000 acres of Windsor Great Park.
He continued: ‘Did he ever do anything half-heartedly? He did everything with an eye to detail and he made sure it was right.’
Alan added: ‘I wrote a book on royal gardeners and sent it to the Queen, and had a letter back from the Duke about a fortnight later.’
His book Royal Gardeners: The History of Britain’s Royal Gardens was originally published in 2003.
He said Philip told him he enjoyed the book and then ‘listed everything he had done in the home park including the avenues he had planted’.
In the letter, Philip wrote: ‘I thought it might interest you to know active gardening still goes on.’
Alan concluded to BBC anchor Huw Edwards: ‘I cherish the document.’
Prince Philip died on April 9, two months before his 100th birthday.
A ceremonial royal funeral is being held at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Saturday afternoon.
Under normal circumstances a congregation of 800 would have gathered but coronavirus restrictions mean only 30 people can attend, including members of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s families.
Prince Philip funeral: Key details
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday April 9, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.
Today, the Duke was interred in the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel – where he will remain until his wife of 73 years dies, whereupon they will be buried together.
Only 30 mourners were present at the funeral due to current Covid-19 restrictions – with the Queen having to sit alone.
Although well-wishers were urged to not line the streets of Windsor, they could watch the ceremony on TV.
Another way to pay your respects to the late Duke is to sign the official online book of condolence.
Here are the key details:
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Prince Philip funeral: Key details
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday April 9, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.
Today, the Duke was interred in the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel – where he will remain until his wife of 73 years dies, whereupon they will be buried together.
Only 30 mourners were present at the funeral due to current Covid-19 restrictions – with the Queen having to sit alone.
Although well-wishers were urged to not line the streets of Windsor, they could watch the ceremony on TV.
Another way to pay your respects to the late Duke is to sign the official online book of condolence.
Here are the key details:
