King Charles III searched Chelsea Flower Show yesterday for a plant to replace ones rabbits had eaten in his garden.
The monarch told designer Jane Porter something's being ravaged by the animals in his garden at Highgrove, his Gloucestershire home.
Charles stopped at her garden Choose Love at Chelsea Flower Show yesterday and examined a lavender sage plant – salvia lavandulifolia – with delicate purple flowers.
"He was really interested in one of the plants we’ve got because at Highgrove something’s being eaten by rabbits and he wants to replace it," Ms Porter, a horticulturist and garden designer, said.
"I love that, that’s brilliant, he’s such a keen gardener. I’m sure he would have his eye out for all sorts of things – he was very knowledgeable about everything in the garden."
Ms Porter created the garden for the Choose Love charity, which supports asylum seekers across the globe, and featured plants like old variety of roses from the Middle East or irises from north Africa that those seeking sanctuary would recognise.
Charles made his first visit to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show as monarch and was joined by the Queen, who toured the site separately.
Camilla, meanwhile, was transfixed by a garden swing in the London Square Community Garden.
She received some encouragement and was told: “You’re welcome to have a try of the swing if you want.” The Queen quickly accepted and once she sat down joked: “I might stay here.”
Paula Carnell, head beekeeper of The Newt in Somerset, engaged with Camilla over their shared love of the insects.
The 54-year-old woman said: "We talked about bees because she’s a beekeeper herself and her daughter actually has a rocket hive.
"You forget all the royalness of it, when you’re speaking about something you’re passionate about. It’s lovely, it’s nice to have that connection."
Joanna Lumley and Deborah Meaden were among other celebrities pictured at the show in the capital yesterday.
