He who laughs last laughs loudest
THIS week Prince Charles’s organic food company Duchy Originals celebrated its 21st birthday with an event at Clarence House.
Charles took great interest in the biscuit stand, while Camilla headed straight for the sausage rolls made, natch, from organically reared pork.
His suppliers, farmers, cheese-makers, butchers, bakeries and delicatessens, sang the Prince’s praises, saying what he has done for the organic movement is “fantastic”.
Which must sound sweet to Charles, because oh how he was mocked when he first started the brand. He was called “a shop-soiled royal”, and his new venture a vanity project. This after all was the same man who talked to his plants. He’s just plain batty, so many thought.
But it’s been a resounding success and in partnership with Waitrose has raised £11million for charity. Incidentally if you want to see the manifestation of the Prince’s hugely appealing vision for yourself, visit the Royal Duchy of Cornwall Nurseries just outside Lostwithiel. It’s a great day out and it sells pottery, country clothes, candles and toys as well as food and beautiful plants, bushes and trees.
The nursery has gardens, a café serving delicious organic food and is very child-friendly. I don’t know how but here in Cornwall Charles has created an oasis of fragrant rustic charm. Good for him.