Why Duchess is climbing the walls at Highgrove...

PRINCE CHaRLES is said to be determined the Duchess of Cornwall will be Queen when he accedes to the throne, and others clearly think she’s blooming marvellous.

For a climbing plant that’s been named after her was on display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The purple clematis with a creamy yellow centre was bred by Raymond Evison, who’s known as the ‘king of clematis’.

He tells me it has won the approval of Charles and Camilla: ‘They liked it so much they have actually planted it at Highgrove. They both enjoy clematis very much. Camilla is thrilled with this because I’ve been asked, “Can I supply more plants?”’

and he’s convinced it will prove popular with gardeners, as his Guernsey nursery plans to produce as many as 10,000 plants a year.

He adds: ‘It is a good strong flower and the colour is very intense.’

I wonder if Camilla will join Charles in talking to her plants?