News
The Prince of Wales hosts a reception for Garden Organic at Highgrove
14th July 2011
The Prince of Wales was praised by chef Raymond Blanc for his contribution to promoting quality British food today.
His Royal Highness held a reception at Highgrove, his family home in Gloucestershire, for the charity Garden Organic.
The Prince has been Patron of the charity, which promotes the benefits of organic growing methods, since 1988.
For many years, The Prince has believed strongly in the clear advantages of organic growing and farming.
Highgrove has a garden that has been run on an organic basis by The Prince for 20 years. His Royal Highness runs the nearby Duchy Home Farm, which is part of the Highgrove estate, on an organic basis and the gardens at Clarence House and Birkhall are also managed organically.
Raymond Blanc, who is Vice President of the charity, said: "Because of you, sir, food and nourishment has been at the forefront of the British consciousness."
The chef said he found "harmony" in the garden.
The Prince replied: "To receive an accolade from a Frenchman has made my year! I have learned a lot from the French and Italians of what I have been trying to do here for years and I am very proud to be Patron of Garden Organic."
There were more than 80 guests including TV gardening presenter James Wong and Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins.