Alan Titchmarsh – whose show, Love Your Weekend airs today (Sunday, May 26) – developed his broadcasting career through his expertise as a horticulturist and gardening journalist.
But alongside his other TV work as the host of his own daytime chat show and countryside magazine show Love Your Weekend, Alan has also fronted several programmes taking the royal family as their subject.
Among those have been documentary specials about the late Queen and Prince Philip.
He also got to know the couple through his involvement in the Chelsea Flower Show.
Royal gardens, including those at King Charles‘ private residence at Highgrove, have also featured in Alan’s work.
And, partly thanks to these projects, Alan has gained unique insight into how the royals operate during his time with them.
Alan Titchmarsh on Charles’ marriage
Speaking about his relationship with Charles in 2011, Alan noted the now-monarch regards him as a friend.
Alan also emphasised how hard he works, indicating it is “harder than anyone else he knows”.
Furthermore, he believes Charles has been represented unfairly – and suggested that may be related to his former marriage to Princess Diana.
Alan said at the time: “His commitment to this country, to so many people and organisations, is just amazing. And I think it is a terrible shame that people still judge him on a failed marriage.
“If we judged all our friends on their marriages we might not have any left.
“I really value his friendship.”
‘An amazing man’
More recently, Alan spoke publicly in support of Charles following the interview between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey.
He expressed his sadness for what Charles was going through in March 2021.
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Alan told the Mirror: “He is an amazing man. I feel for him a lot.
“I think it’s sad he’s had to be put through what he’s been put through, but he’s got enough people, I hope, who value what he does and who can see what he does and can field for him.”
Alan added: “He’s a man who has dedicated his life to his country, and changed lives – he’s reached the parts that many other organisations can’t reach.”
Love Your Weekend airs today (Sunday, May 26) at 9.30am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Read more: Love Your Weekend star Alan Titchmarsh on ‘disappointing’ encounter with the Queen
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