The Royal Family turned out in force for the Chelsea Flower Show preview day today as the event prepares to launch its first ever autumn edition after the traditional spring event was delayed due to Covid.
The show, which usually takes place in May, was postponed for the first time in its 109-year history due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will run from 21st to 26th September in a special one-off event.
The Queen, who attends the event every year, missed this year’s event for the first time since 2005 as she remains in Balmoral, where she is expected to stay until October. It will be only the tenth time she has missed the Flower Show.
Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, Princess Anne, Princess Alexandria and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, represented the royal family instead.
They joined stars including Gemma Collins, Dame Judi Dench, Guy Ritchie and Call The Midwife’s Helen George for the horticultural event today.
The Royal Family turned out in force for the Chelsea Flower Show preview day today as the event prepares to launch its first ever autumn edition after the traditional spring event was delayed due to Covid. Pictured is Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Sophie looks like the essence of summer chic in her white number as she smiled at her husband Prince Edward today
Sophie led the fashion at the event today. The Queen , who attends the event every year, skipped it this year for the first time since 2005 as she remains in Balmoral, where she is expected to stay until October. It will be only the tenth time she has missed the Flower Show
Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie Countess of Wessex visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, delayed from its usual spring dates because of lockdown restrictions
Sophie walks past a pumpkin at the show which will have an autumnal theme this year. Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, Princess Anne , Princess Alexandria and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, represented the royal family instead of the Queen
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 56, lead the style with the royal arrivals in a chic all white number and wooden wedges
Sophie looked glamourous in a white mini dress. Sophie paired the dress with a brown leather bag which matched her stylish sleeves
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 56, lead the style with the royal arrivals in a chic all white number and wooden wedges. The royal added a statement orange stone earring with a complementing necklace, with sporting a natural make-up look.
Meanwhile, her sister in law Princess Anne, 71, opted for a blue-grey look sporting a button down coat with navy heels, gloves and bag.
Joining them was Prince Edward, 57, who sported a black suit and patterned tie.
Celebrities including actresses Dame Judi Dench, 86, Sally Phillips and Helen George, as well as fashion designer Paul Smith were among the first stars to tour the show.
ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins, wearing a floral day dress, was also among the people in attendance.
They got to admired the beautiful Parsley Box Garden, which was designed by Alan Williams and delighted visitors with a table set with Parsley inspired tableware and small pumpkins.
Meanwhile, the Psalm 23 garden wowed with its pond and zen fountain, offering a autumn-inspired oasis within the show.
Established in 1913, the flower show has become one of the world’s biggest showcases for horticultural excellence, attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the globe.
It has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to more than 500 today, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays and trade stands. The show attracts 168,000 visitors.
Meanwhile, her sister in law Anne opted for a blue-grey look sporting a button down coat with navy heels, gloves and bag
Anne opted for a blue-grey look sporting a button down coat with navy heels, gloves and bag as she stepped out the car today
Prince Edward Earl of Wessex (left) and Sophie, Countess of Wessex (second right) during a visit to the Autumn RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Joining them was Prince Edward, who sported a black suit and patterned tie. This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was delayed from its usual spring dates due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which also prompted its cancellation last year
Princess Alexandra during a visit to the Autumn RHS Chelsea Flower Show today, she is pictured wearing a patterned dress and pink jacket
Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent during a visit to the Autumn RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Princess Michael of Kent wore a mint green jacket and black trouser with a white T-shirt and earrings while Prince Michael opted for a double-breasted suit
The show is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, of which the Queen is patron, and traditionally takes place mid-May.
However this year it was blighted by Covid, and The Royal Horticultural Society announced in January that the show, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, would be moved from May 18-23 to September 21-26.
Last year the event had to be scrapped completely because of coronavirus, with a virtual show staged online.
As many as 140,000 are expected to attend the event, which will ensure planned safety measures, included spreading the show over an extra day and reducing visitor numbers.
Celebrities are flocking to the Chelsea Flower Show ahead of the opening of its first ever autumn edition today including Gemma Collins (pictured)
Ben Fogle and his wife Marina were in attendance at the big event (left), as well as producer Guy Ritchie and his wife Jacqui Ainsley (right)
Presenter Alexa Chung donned a black knitted jacket and short co-ord for the occasion in London earlier today (pictured)
A suspend egg made of wood and surrounded by brushes and wild flowers welcomed visitors at the Yeo Valley Organic garden today
Wildflowers and literary quotes carved in a wooden wall awaiting visitors at the very pretty Florence Nightingale garden today
Guy Ritchie, 53, was joined by his wife Jacqui Ainsley as they unveiled his £50,000 luxury BBQ on the first day of the Chelsea Flower Show
Celebrities are flocking to the Chelsea Flower Show ahead of the opening of its first ever autumn edition today. Dame Judi Dench, 86, stole the show as she attended
Pregnant Call The Midwife’s star Helen George showed off her baby bump in a floral dress as she toured The Chelsea Flower Show preview day on Monday. The event, which takes place in autumn for the first time, opens to the public tomorrow
A show-stopper! Gemma’s yellow cape had a train which elegantly swooped the floor as she walked around the flower show today
Pictured, a performer entertaining guests at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon in central London
Feeling peckish? A carved pumpkin, tomatoes, yellow courgettes, carrots, turnips and more were used in this artful display celebrating our five a day
Designers created beautiful butterflies out of flowers for some of the displays on show at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show today
Careful where you put your hands! A selection of small cacti in all shapes and colours was also on display at the event today, pictured
Single flowers, branches and twigs suspended mid-air in vials of water made up one of the show’s most delicate displays, pictured
Dame Judi Dench made friends with Chelsea, a 18-weeks-old Golden Retriever who is training to be a guide dog and was named after the show
The actress could not get enough of the adorable pup, which was at the Artisan Garden alongside other guide dogs in training
A model dressed in forest green commanded the stage in the Bodmin Jail 50 degree East – A garden between continents also on show at the exhibition
One fruit and veg aficionado in attendance today wore a tomato tie for the event as nature fans put their best fashion forward
Dinner is served! A woman was seen adjusting a beautiful floral centrepiece with matching tableware and glasses during the show
Models wore traditional Himalayan dresses at the Trailfinders 50th anniversary garden, pictured, which celebrated Asian culture
Gemma Collins appeared in high spirits as she chatted with passersby before entering the event wearing a vibrant yellow gown
Actress Sally Phillips couldn’t hide her excitement as she toured the Psalm 23 garden, which incudes a pond and a fountain, at the show today
The ITV presenter gave an enthusiastic smile as she prepared to wander around the beautiful displays at this years Chelsea Flower Show
Presenter Nick Grinshaw looked relaxed in a leather jacket, while comedian and presenter Lee Mack stopped by the show with a coffee in hand
No wallflower! Dame Judi Dench seemed delighted to be attending the show and stopped to smell some of the flowers when she arrived, wearing a linen jacket
Take your pick! Tantalising cherry tomatoes were beautifully displayed into round bushes at the show/s press day ahead of its opening tomorrow
Some of the designers who put forward displays for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show wowed visitors with the pretty Alliums they used, pictured
Curtains of pink, yellow and red Chrysanthemums were also used abundantly at the show which celebrates horticulture, pictured
Autumn and its vegetables and fruit are the guests of honour this year, because the show usually takes place in May, but was postponed due to coronavirus
Florists put the finishing touches to their displays, making sure each detail was sorted ahead of the show’s first day tomorrow, pictured
Actor and writer Reece Shearsmith looked smart in a black suit, crips white shirt and red and black tie as he stayed in the Dobbies garden
Ronan Keating, Alex Jones, wearing a beautiful floral number and Jermaine Jenas opened the BBC One Show and RHS Garden of Hope today
The three BBC presenters opened the garden with Arit Anderson, pictured right, who designed it for the BBC on the show’s occasion
Sporting a bouncy blow-dry, Alex Jones, who welcomed a baby daughter on August 21, looked beautiful in the light blue day dress
Guy Ritchie, who is exhibiting his very own barbecue at this year’s edition of the Chelsea Flower show, looked relaxed with wife Jacqui Ainsley
Anthea Turner, wearing a beautiful floral blouse and white jeans, and ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke looked happy to attend today’s event
In excellent spirits, Dame Judi put on an animated display at the show as she posed with Chelsea pensioners in uniforms with whom she held a big flower garland
Dame Judi exuded elegance as she posed with Chelsea pensioners on the RHS Queen’s Green Canopy Garden at the event this afternoon
The iconic actress appeared to be deep in conversation with one of the Chelsea pensioners at the event this afternoon
Presenter Nick Knowles was among the celebrities who stopped by the Chelsea Flower Show’s autumn edition today, pictured
Singer Alexandra Burke inside the It looked stylish in a stripy suit at the Italian Piazza, Villaggio Verde Garden designed by Jason Hales, while Fiona Bruce headed to The Parsley Box Garden
Judi Dench was caught in deep conversation with Allan Williams, who designed the Parsley Box Garden for this year’s show, pictured
Dame Maggie Smith was spotted admiring the several displays at the show, wearing a coral jacket over a navy ensemble, pictured
DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson put his sunglasses on and took his hat off as he explored s Dobbies’ garden while X Factor judge Louis Walsh seemed in great spirits
Dame Judi Dench and her daughter Finty Williams seemed the best of friends as they took a break from touring the several displays available at the show
Presenter Mel Giedroyc donned a pretty pink blouse, navy 7/8 trousers and white sneakers as she explored Dobbies’ garden today
Dancer Anton Du Beke and Hannah Summers held hands as they walked around the event during a surprisingly sunny September day
Charlotte Hawkins, Alexandra Burke, a friend and Zo’ Ball guest showed off their stylish outfits at the Italian Piazza, Villaggio Verde Garden
Anthea Turner, Zo’ Ball, and Alexandra Burke playfully posed with a giant pumpkin which was grown by Ben White, centre, at the Italian Piazza, Villaggio Verde Garden
A judge inspected on the displays during today’s press day. A the end of the week, one display will take home the best in show title
Guy Ritchie and wife Jacqui Ainsley appeared in high spirits today as they stepped out to attend the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The director donned a pair of orange trousers, plaid shirt and casual coat while his wife was stylish in a white shirt and fashionable sunglasses
Ben and Marina Fogle visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show COP26 Garden, a feature garden, designed by Marie-Louise Agius
Model Alexa Chung put on a fashionable display in a black romper and tights paired with an oversized grey coat and black leather heels
A model showcases the delicate detail of her flower collar, which incorporates dried and fresh flowers in neutral tones, with touches of yellow, orange and green
A woman took the time to sit *on one of the ricks and reflect by the fountain by the pond of the Bible Society: The Psalm 23 Garden
Reality star Gemma Collins put on a very elaborate display as she stepped out for the The Chelsea Flower show in London this afternoon
Gemma, 40, donned a floor-length yellow gown decorated with gem stones paired with a pink bedazzled dress and matching metallic trainers
Gemma made sure she put on a show in her yellow cape as she took a break from her tour to enjoy a glass of Prosecco, pictured
Dave Myers, who is one half of the Hairy Bikers – who were beloved by the late Prince Philip – attended with his wife Liliana Orzac who wowed in a pretty dress
Excited children posed with resident act Daisy the Drag Queen Garner and other models during the press day ahead of the show
Interior designer Matthew Williamson looked stylish as he explored Dobbies’ garden while Chris O’Dowd, right, cut a casual silhouette in pair of jeans and tan jacket as he enjoyed a drink at the show
A royal event! Weather queen Carol Kirkwood, wearing a floral dress under a navy blazer, met Drag Queen Daisy the Gardner during the show
Television presenters Johnny Ball and his daughter Zoe Ball were seen posing together at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon
Director Guy Ritchie was spotted at the event with wife Jacqui Ainsley who looked casually chic in a camel coat and pair of green trousers (left). Alexa Chung arrived in a practical purple raincoat, black tights and patent pumps
Chelsea Pensioners in uniform wave from the top of a repurposed double-decker bus in the Bowdens garden hosting bamboo shoots and ferns
Florists Tara and Valerie Pain, pictured, wore beautiful flower collars in the Parsley box garden during the show’s press day today
The Chelsea Flower Show is readying to open its doors to the public as it returns following the coronavirus pandemic. The show, which traditionally takes place in May, was postponed to September for the first time in its 109-year long history, and will go on from tomorrow to Sunday 26 September. Visitors in matching hats, pictured, toured the show for a sneak preview today
Narture meets disco! During the show’s press day, a drag queen made sure the party started early, with models wearing futuristic gear danced next to a pink barbecue set
Presenter Nicki Chapman looked beautiful in a pink dress as she walked among the grandiose flower displays around the event
In 2019, the Duchess of Cambridge designed one of the gardens and gave the Queen a guided tour.
The RHS said the September show will ‘celebrate the best of autumn horticulture’ and at this year’s event, the Royal Family contingent will see displays including the RHS Queen’s Green Canopy Garden.
The garden runs alongside Her Majesty’s unique tree planting initiative created to mark the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Lisa Snowdon was a vision in brown boots and a vibrant animal print gown as she attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon
Sally Phillips put her balance to the test as she stood on a rock in the middle of the pond, wearing heels, while touring the show’s Psalm 23 garden
The Bridget Jones star added a chic pink coat to her stylish floral dress as she posed for a picture at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Model Valerie Pain showed off a beautiful autumn-inspired flower colour at the show this morning Due to the change in dates, this Year’s flower show with celebrate Autumn-trends rather than Spring
Alan Williams, left, who designed the Parsley Box Garden, proudly posed in front of his creation as celebrities like the designer Paul Smith, right, flocked to the show
A pregnant Helen George showed her baby bump as she stood with nurses in the Florence Nightingale garden at the show, pictured
The effort got underway in secret in March – the end of the official planting season – when the monarch and the Prince of Wales, who is patron of the initiative, met at Windsor Castle to plant an inaugural ‘Verdun Oak’ .
Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and companies, will be encouraged to plant trees from October 2021, when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.
From October, details of contributions can be uploaded onto an interactive map on the new QGC website, so people can see the canopy’s development.
A table laid with little pumpkins and autumn-inspired sets awaits visitors who venture in the Parsley Box garden, which was designed by Alan Williams, pictured
Models Valerie, left and Tara Pain were the belles of the ball with their amazing flower collars and white dresses at the show today
Models Valerie and Tara Pain appeared in high spirits as they attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in elaborate collars made from dried flowers
The Woodland Trust, the largest woodland conservation charity in the United Kingdom, has committed three million free saplings to schools and communities across the UK as part of the QGC initiative.
Trees can be planted either singularly or in copses by individuals, schools, community groups or businesses on private land, or even as a new Platinum Jubilee Avenue of medium-sized or large trees – ideal for cities, large estates, housing developments and parishes.
The project is not-for-profit and is being funded by private donors and supporters including Royal Mail, Coutts, The John Lewis Partnership, Coupa and Rentokil Initial plc.
While the QGC has not received government funding, it is also being supported by DEFRA.
Neon lights and hot pink accessories offered a stark contrast with the peaceful set-up of the Show’s display as a drag queen Djed at the show
Everything coming up roses! Good Morning Britain’s presenter Charlotte Hawkins donned a floral day dress to the event today
Charlotte wore her blonde tresses curled and loose around her shoulders while opting for a pale pink manicure and light make-up look
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice was pictured attending the Chelsea Flower Show today
A fitting guest! Actress Dixie Egerickx, who started in the recent remake of the Secret Garden, looked darling in a floral babydoll dress
Helen George, who is expecting her second child this year, put on an animated display as she talked to fellow visitors and members of the press at the show today
The Call the Midwife actress beamed as she cradled her baby bump with her hands during her visit of the show today, pictured
Helen chatted with some of the models working around the show and bringing the displays to life, who was wearing a pilgrim outfit
The performer is pictured acting in front of a stunning garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a garden show held by the Royal Horticultural Society
Mel Reynard put on a fashionable display in a mask and gown at the Landform Balcony Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon
Making an impression with her outfit, Gemma posed as she arrived at the Chelsea Flower Show in London this afternoon
A gust is pictured admiring a stunning floral display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London this afternoon
One guest grinned in front of the plants as she donned a tomato-themed headdress and gown at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London this afternoon
Designer Martha Krempel is pictured discussing her Arcadia balcony garden with visitors at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon
Dame Judi Dench and her daughter walked arm in arm as they toured the different displays of the show today, pictured
Alexandra Burke took a moment to sit down in a beautiful wicker chair as she visited Dobbies Garden at today’s event, pictured