feels “guilty” over his friendship with , as he’s awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Honours.
The gardening expert has been recognised for services to horticulture and charity. He’s served as the president of Perennial – previously the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society – since 2004.
Alan is also president of the Plant Heritage charity, which helps with conservation efforts and whose patron is the King.
The broadcaster said he is “thrilled to bits” to be recognised, explaining to PA: “A lot of my charitable work is to do with horticulture.”
He had a “teary” conversation with his wife Alison and his daughters when he heard the news, explaining: “I’ve been an MBE for 25 years, so I kind of thought that was… I’ve been very happy with that.
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Alan Titchmarsh is friends with King Charles and knows Camilla (Image: Getty)
“I’m thrilled to bits, surprised, but thrilled and honoured that I should be thought worth a CBE, flattered beyond belief.”
But Alan has confessed he felt “guilty” over his friendship with King Charles, though they’ve known each other for more than 40 years. Alan explained to Metro: “The King sweetly calls me a friend, which is very nice of him.
“I always feel a little bit guilty when I say he’s a friend of mine – it sounds as though I’m trying to latch on to his coattails. I’m very fond of him and respect him a lot.”
He feels ‘guilty’ calling the King his friend (Image: Getty)
He also told Saga magazine: “I’ve known him a long, long time and he has very kindly referred to me as a friend, but I hate the idea I’m playing on that – you know, hanging on his coat-tails.
“Obviously, I’m a huge admirer and what he’s achieved in his first year is remarkable. He is devoted to this country and I’ve never met anyone who works harder at his job.”