News
TRH attend the Sandringham Flower Show in Norfolk
29th July 2008
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall met Barry the Bee at Sandringham Flower Show in Norfolk today.
Beekeeper Barry Walker-Moore, who was dressed as a bumblebee despite the 25C heat, was standing at the West Norfolk & King's Lynn Beekeepers' Association stand when Their Royal Highnesses toured the show.
Mr Walker-Moore, a Ministry of Defence technician from Cromer, Norfolk, was raising awareness of the threat disease is posing to bee populations and said that the world could be facing an “ecological disaster”.
He spent several minutes discussing the effect the varroa mite is having on bees when The Prince and Duchess visited the stand.
"The Prince keeps bees and obviously knows a lot about the problem," said Mr Walker-Moore.
"The Duchess was more concerned about my health and how hot I was in my Barry the Bee costume.
"I was hot but I put it on to attract attention. If we get publicity about the problem it's worth it."
Beekeepers say honey sales generate more than £150million a year and honey bees play a vital environmental role.
Their Royal Highnesses were joined at the show by actress Dame Judi Dench, who is staying with them at the Queen's residence in Sandringham.