Gardener Alan Titchmarsh shared how his family really reacted to his humorous request after receiving a prestigious CBE from King Charles, earlier this year
Alan Titchmarsh has scaled back on his working hours
Alan Titchmarsh was honoured by King Charles with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to horticulture and charity back in April. Despite this however, the 76-year-old said his family have refused to address him by his new title.
Reflecting on the moment he learned of his CBE, Alan admitted he initially thought it was an April Fool’s joke when the ceremony’s date was set for April 1st. He recounted: “It was an enormous shock when a letter came in November saying the Prime Minister has got this plan to ask the King if you can be a CBE.
“So I tried to get my family to call me a commander but they won’t, it’s very sad really,” he quipped. “My wife is the commandant. I think that’s why. It’s a great honour.
“My investiture came through on the 1st of April and you think, oh is this a sign? April Fool’s Day, you know.”
“No, it was a very special day and I’ve known the King for about 40 years now, so it’s very special,” he added on the Talk Horse podcast.
Alan Titchmarsh was supported by his long-term wife Alison on the day
Alan’s long-term wife Alison has been no stranger to being by his side throughout his career, including when he was awarded an MBE 25 years ago.
Upon the gardener collecting his new medal earlier this year, she looked every inch a proud spouse as she posed alongside him.
Together, they have two daughters, Polly and Camilla, and four grandchildren.
Alan has previously spoken about reducing his workload to spend more time with his family, choosing to take Fridays and occasional Mondays off.
In an interview with Woman’s Weekly magazine, he reflected on the value of family time, saying: “It’s the old cliché, but you can’t get it back.
“My oldest grandchild has just hit 13 and you think, ‘Oh crumbs! I’ve got a teenager as a grandchild now’.”
Despite cutting back on work hours, Alan has no plans for retirement.
Alan Titchmarsh was made a CBE by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in April
Earlier in the year, he admitted to Country Living Magazine that despite some gardening-related aches and pains, he still feels as young as “40-odd”.
He shared his outlook for the future, adding: “I just relish the opportunity to enjoy people’s company, to enjoy my garden and to find something stimulating in each day.
“I see gardening as a sheet anchor in life. It’s my lifesaver. That’s what I do and everything else is an add-on. I am out in my garden as much as possible, in between writing and broadcasting. It’s my happy place.”
For the time being, Alan remains active on television, filming his ITV shows, Gardening Club series and Love Your Weekend, as well as his new YouTube channel titled Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh.
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh airs Sundays from 9.30am on ITV and ITVX.