We're used to seeing photographs of them splashed across the front pages, updates from their official social media and countless fan accounts, not to mention some of their key life events being broadcast to millions across the world. But what are the Royal Family really like 'behind closed doors'? Well, we've been speaking to someone who works closely with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to find out what she's really like.
This weekend (Saturday 6 June), The Duchess' first garden design will open at the Royal Windsor Flower show, which she co-created with Alan Williams of Landform Consultants. The pair have been working closely on the project for months, and Alan spoke to Good Housekeeping about the experience, and what Sophie is really like in person.
'I genuinely think she's a truly amazing person,' Alan told GH, when asked how he'd describe The Duchess to someone who'd never met her before. 'She is really passionate. She's caring, passionate and just really lovely.' When it came to her dedication to the garden design, Alan was equally glowing: 'The care that comes from her about what we're choosing, how we're using it, is really something very special.'
Alan explained that he pitched the idea of a garden design collaboration to head gardener Adam Scott, at Bagshot Park, The Duchess' royal residence. After a phone call, a visit to Bagshot was arranged where Alan pitched a mood-board of ideas to talk through with Sophie. The majority of their meetings took place there, with Alan describing how they took a little getting used to. 'It’s always bizarre and weird, isn’t it? When you get to go and meet at one of the royal households, and sit there and have a cup of coffee with them and just talk about stuff that you’re really passionate about.’
From start to finish, Alan says that Sophie has been 'so involved in the process', which Alan describes as an 'amazing' and 'magical' experience. ‘It’s not just one-sided, or it’s not me putting things in front of the Duchess and saying, “This is what we’re doing.” She’s been really involved,’ he says.
Alan and Sophie have also been out and about together at Creepers Plant Nursery, choosing exactly what they want included in their final garden design. ‘We’ve changed materials and we’ve chosen them together and we’ve talked it all through to make sure that she’s happy with them.’
What to read next
The pair will unveil their Plants with Purpose Garden on Saturday, which will sit at the centre of the flower show. Once the show is finished, Alan says the garden will be relocated to two different schools, so the spaces can be enjoyed into the future.
The Royal Windsor Flower Show takes place on 6 June at Windsor Great Park
