Alan Titchmarsh, the renowned television presenter and gardening expert, recently opened up about a particularly “tricky” interview with Prince Philip, which led to a revealing exchange with Princess Anne. While Alan is well-known for his rapport with the royal family, especially King Charles, his interactions haven’t always been straightforward.
At 76, Alan has shared many moments with the royals, often highlighting King Charles’s dedication to gardening and environmental causes. However, he admits that not all royal interviews come easily. Reflecting on his most challenging interview, the ITV personality revealed it was with Prince Philip for the Duke’s 90th birthday. “He was tricky,” Alan told Woman Magazine, recalling how Prince Philip confided after the interview, “You probably realised, being interviewed is not my favourite occupation.” Shortly after the official interview at Windsor Castle, Prince Philip personally guided Alan around to show the restoration work he had done following a fire — a far more candid and relaxed moment away from the cameras.
Princess Anne later offered Alan valuable context about the Duke’s reserved nature. “It’s not you. He won’t tell us about his war,” she explained, highlighting Prince Philip’s reluctance to speak about his military service and tendency to avoid the spotlight.
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Alan’s experiences with the royal family haven’t always met his expectations. Receiving an MBE from the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, he found their brief conversation surprisingly impersonal. During a 2014 Cheltenham Literature Festival appearance, Alan recounted how the Queen’s simple question, “Are you busy?” seemed underwhelming initially. But the moment took an unexpected turn when she remarked during their handshake, “Well, you give a lot of ladies a lot of pleasure.” Reflecting on this exchange with his wife Alison, Alan humorously imagined a tombstone inscription echoing the Queen’s words, a testament to the memorable and sometimes quirky moments in his royal interactions.