King Charles meets fellow gardeners at Royal Windsor Flower Show

The King visited the Royal Windsor Flower Show at the weekend with his sister-in-law, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The 118th edition of the show fell on Saturday, June 7 and is one of the year’s most anticipated events at the York Club in Windsor Great Park.

Charles, who is the patron and an avid gardener, provided the theme ‘Patterns in Nature’ for this year’s show, inspired by his 2010 book called Harmony: A New Way Of Looking At Our World.

The theme celebrated the mathematical beauty of the natural world through innovative garden design and artisanal craftsmanship.

Alan Williams designed the central garden at this year’s show, drawing on this theme through its inspiration by the Fibonacci spiral.

The King’s Foundation said the ‘harmony philosophy’ sees the interconnectedness of nature and takes a ‘holistic approach’ to environmental challenges for ‘a more sustainable future’.

According to Royal Windsor Flower Show director, Alexandra Denman, the theme also ‘explores the fascinating makeup of our natural beauty’.

The 'joyful' celebration of gardening, nature, food and traditional crafts spanned one day and featured expert talks, demonstrations and hands-on workshops for attendees.

Meanwhile, amateur gardeners took part in the Posy Competition, judged by the honorary president of the Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society, Alan Titchmarsh, with the winning posy displayed on the King's breakfast table today (Monday).

The famed gardener welcomed and accompanied the royal party on their tour of the show after the Duchess of Edinburgh opened the event.

His Majesty paused to admire the ‘Garden of Hope’ designed by Creepers Nursery, a tribute to the daily holistic and compassionate care provided by Thames Hospice. 

Nestled among its blooms were elephant sculptures from the charity’s forthcoming Trunks Across the Thames art trail, coming to Slough and Windsor in 2026.

The garden became a gathering place for visitors and celebrity guests Gloria Hunniford and Angellica Bell, and the King spoke to the charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Rachael de Caux, who said it was ‘a true honour’.

She added: “The Garden of Hope captured the essence of hospice care — not only about end-of-life support, but also about living fully, creating memories, and feeling held and supported during life’s most difficult times.”

Besides gathering horticultural experts and garden enthusiasts from around the country, a new addition to this year’s show was a marquee showcasing the work of Royal Warrant Holders.

Other highlights included nurseries from the Chelsea Flower Show, circus skills workshops and Little Muddy Boots gardening activities.

School pupils from across the Royal Borough completed workshops with Busy Buttons CORE charity as part of the Schools’ Craft School Competition, and their art installation inspired by the River Thames was displayed in the Children’s Marquee.

Professional photographer Ian Longthorne judged the Windsor and Eton Express Photographic Challenge competition class, which will be printed in the Slough and Windsor Express this week.