Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall enjoy sights of scorching Sandringham Flower Show
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall spent a relaxing and informal 90 minutes chatting with spectators and exhibitors at a sun-baked Sandringham Flower Show today.
They were showered with flowers and gifts, swapped gardening tips with the experts, did a spot of shopping and were happy to be pictured with children and dogs as they strolled across the parkland.
In spite of scorching temperatures, people turned out in their thousands to see the Royal couple arrive on the showground in an open carriage drawn by two grey horses.
Show chairman David Reeve was delighted – and relieved that the weather had not deterred the crowds. He said that it demonstrated the drawing power of the Royal couple and their popularity.
He said: “It is always such a joyous occasion and one where protocol tends to go out of the window. It is incredible how accommodating they are and how relaxed. They really do enjoy this show and they don't come out of duty. They love the site and they know the people.”
With Camilla carrying a lace parasol as protection from the sun, the couple presented trophies to winning Royal estate gardeners and then made their way through the horticultural marquees. At the Peter Beales Roses stand they were each given a single pink rose – a new variety called Fragrant Celebration to mark the Norfolk company's golden anniversary.
Carol Page, of Bramble Flowers, at Congham, gave them a bouquet of British blooms and the couple chatted to the team from Norfolk Lavender, which distils lavender oil from the Prince's Highgrove estate. The Prince and gardening celebrity Chris Beardshaw discussed the problems created by the dry weather.
The couple bought cakes and a knitted toy from the Sandringham Women's Institute stand, exchange a quick word with actor-turned author John Challis of only Fools and Horses Fame, who was publicising his latest book, visited the estate schools tent and accepted a basket of strawberries and hamper of preserves from the Royal Warrant Holders Association.
They met a canine assistance dog from the Norfolk Association for the Blind and three Hounds for Heroes dogs with the organisation's founder Allen Parton.
Elsie Stirling, seven, and her two-year-old sister Elizabeth, here from Chicago visiting relatives, each gave the couple a tiny flower. An excited Elsie said: “That was pretty good. They were sweet.”
There was a high-five moment with Princes Charles for three-year-old Isaac Pepper, from Uttoxeter, and they met a patriotic Jack Russell terrier decorated with Union flags.
One amusing canine moment that happened just before they arrived was when a security sniffer dog decided to cool off in one of the horticultural exhibits water features.
