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24 MAY 2005
Rockers and royals alike turned to flower power this week as the annual Chelsea Flower Show got underway in London.
Sophie Wessex was pictured sharing a joke with 88-year-old Army veteran Wally Offord at one of the displays, while former Beatle Ringo Starr came along to open another of the other attractions.
The Countess joined Wally for a pint of Spitfire Bitter at the Chelsea Pensioners' Garden. Built to look like an idyllic oasis from the England of 1945, the design aimed to recreate "a soldier's dream of Blighty".
And Sophie wasn't the only royal enjoying the fun. Her husband
Prince Edward and brother in law
Prince Andrew were there too.
Princess Anne was meanwhile doing the honours at the launch of a new rose by horticultural company Harkness, who rewarded her for her efforts with a full basket of the pale pink "Elisabeth Casson" bloom.
The annual event also attracted some big names from the world of showbiz. Rod Stewart arrived hand in hand with his bride-to-be Penny Lancaster, while veteran actor
Michael Caine was likewise spotted checking out the verdant creations. Green-fingered musician Ringo Starr was on hand to open the 4head Garden, which is one of this year's biggest attractions.
"It's absolutely lovely – very peaceful and pleasant," said the performer. "I'm a keen gardener myself and I really love being in the garden. I've got gardens at my homes in England, Monaco, LA and Colorado. Every time I come to the Chelsea Flower Show I pick up ideas that I take back home and use."
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