Veteran horticulturist and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh recently shared a lighthearted yet insightful moment with reality star Tristan Phipps, offering some candid advice on proper royal protocol during a recent broadcast.
The exchange occurred shortly after Titchmarsh himself was honored with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s New Year Honours for his significant contributions to horticulture and charity, an elevation from his previous Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
During an appearance on a show hosted by equestrian legend Pippa Funnell MBE and ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Tristan Phipps, the setting provided a fitting backdrop for the royal discussion. Phipps informed listeners they were broadcasting from the very gardens of Windsor Castle, noting the close proximity of “His Royal Highness,” King Charles III.
Seizing the moment, Tristan Phipps playfully approached Alan Titchmarsh, expressing his ambition for similar recognition from the monarchy. He quipped, “I’m working on mine. If you could put a good word in with the big man [King Charles] next door, that would be [good].”
Titchmarsh, known for his affable demeanor and long-standing friendship with the monarch spanning over four decades, responded with a characteristic blend of humor and wisdom. He gently cautioned Phipps on the correct form of address for the King, advising, “Well you’ll do better if you start calling him His Majesty rather than Your Royal Highness.”
Phipps, taking the advice in good spirits, light-heartedly conceded, “His Majesty, yes, see I need extra lessons,” acknowledging the nuanced nature of royal etiquette and the importance of respecting established Royal Protocol. This public display of a learning moment highlights the intricate aspects of interacting with members of the Royal Family News and the nuances of Celebrity Etiquette.
Alan Titchmarsh further elaborated on his deep admiration for King Charles III, describing him as a remarkably considerate individual. He recounted a personal anecdote, revealing that the King had sent flowers and a handwritten letter when his wife, Alison, was unwell, underscoring the monarch’s compassionate nature.
In a testament to the King’s character, Titchmarsh hailed him as the “hardest working man” he has ever encountered. He emphasized that King Charles III is not only a “cracking friend” but also a significant “role model for a lot of folk,” offering a rare glimpse into the personal qualities of the sovereign and the significance of the British Honours System as seen through Tristan Phipps’s aspirations.
