Alan Titchmarsh gave a playful warning to a reality star who is eager to earn an honourable title from King Charles. The presenter, 76, was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to horticulture and broadcasting. He was recognised once again with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King's New Year Honours for services to horticulture and charity in 2025.
After receiving his new honour from the King, he appeared on the Talk Horse podcast, hosted by equestrian legend Pippa Funnell MBE and Made in Chelsea star Tristan Phipps. At the start of the show, Tristan informed listeners that they were broadcasting from the gardens of Windsor Castle, noting that "his Royal Highness" was "about 200 metres away".
Recognising the talent surrounding him, the reality star declared: "I've got MBEs, CBEs. I've got some serious accolades here."
He then told Alan: "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]."
In response, Alan jokingly cautioned Tristan about how he should refer to the King, who has been his close friend for more than 40 years.
"Well you'll do better if you start calling him His Majesty rather than Your Royal Highness," he advised, leading Tristan to light-heartedly respond: "His Majesty, yes, see I need extra lessons."
The gardener added: "He [Charles] has, as he used to say, 'gone up one'."
Alan and Charles, 76, have maintained a friendship spanning over four decades, bonded by their shared love of gardening.
Earlier this year, the Love Your Weekend host opened up about his admiration for the monarch, who reached out to his wife in a heartfelt move.
Speaking to Saga magazine, Alan revealed how Charles sent a private letter offering his support when she fell ill.
He said: "I think people have realised just what kind of a man he is, and that he is amazing. The King is considerate, he sent flowers with a handwritten letter when Alison was poorly for a while."
Alan described Charles as the "hardest working man" he's ever met, adding: "He's a cracking friend to his friends; he's a role model for a lot of folk, really."
