King Charles has long talked about plants, but when it comes to planting trees, he does more than that.
According to the official royal website, Charles even grabs hold of a branch, shakes it “kindly” and wishes it well.
Planting trees is a common occurrence during royal visits and official openings, so the king has had a lot of practice over the years.
Charles and Camilla, avid gardeners in their own right, are expected to visit the Chelsea Flower Show today, although it is unlikely they will be asked to plant anything in the pristine displays.
King Charles takes part in his signature tree-planting ritual during his visit to Somerville College, Oxford, which celebrated its 140th birthday on 8 June 2021.
Trees have become an increasingly important topic in the national debate.
Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, sponsored The Queen’s Green Canopy, a planting initiative to mark her platinum anniversary.
Charles himself has said: “As I get older, all I long to do is plant trees. I hope it will be very amusing for George when they grow up, and he grows up.’
The green-fingered king built an arboretum near his home at Balmoral and planted trees the year his first grandson, George, was born, naming it so in his honour.
The space that was once empty and now known as Prince George’s Wood will now grow alongside the future king, who is second in line to the throne.
He told the BBC in 2021: ‘The great thing was I managed to plant it the same year my grandson was born, the eldest, George, so I thought I’d call it Prince George’s wood.’
