Broadcaster and gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to horticulture and to charity, during an investiture at Windsor Castle. The CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding knighthood/damehood), followed by OBE and then MBE.
Gardening since he was 15, Titchmarsh studied at the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture for the National Certificate in Horticulture, after which he went to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to study for a Diploma in Horticulture. He worked as a professional gardener, garden journalist, author and radio and television presenter. He is currently working on his new Youtube channel, ‘Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh’, providing expert advice, gardening guides and masterclasses for gardeners of all ages and skills.
Actively involved in horticultural related charities, Titchmarsh has been the President of Perennial, since 2004 and is also President of Plant Heritage, the plant conservation and research charity.
He expressed gratitude for the honour, highlighting the importance of gardening in enhancing lives and communities, and remains a beloved figure on British television. On his Instagram feed, Titchmarsh commented that The King was on “fine form” and that he was a “very lucky chap”.
Also honoured at Windsor Castle yesterday were: Katarina Johnson-Thompson who received a MBE for services to athletics; Professor Sir Wayne McGregor who received a Knighthood for services to dance; and Marianela Nuñez received an OBE for services to dance.
