Alan Titchmarsh Brought to Tears with Family After Celebrating a Life-Changing Milestone

Renowned broadcaster and gardener Alan Titchmarsh has been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honors, and the announcement brought an emotional moment for the 75-year-old, according to the Express. Titchmarsh, recognized for his contributions to horticulture and charity, admitted he had a “teary moment” when sharing the news with his wife, Alison, and their two daughters, Polly and Camilla.

Titchmarsh, who has been an MBE for 25 years, expressed his surprise and delight at the new accolade. Speaking to the PA news agency, he said, “I’ve been an MBE for 25 years, so I kind of thought that was… I’ve been very happy with that. Thrilled to bits, surprised, but thrilled and honored that I should be thought worth a CBE, flattered beyond belief”, reported by the Sun.

The honor acknowledges Titchmarsh’s long-standing service as president of Perennial, formerly the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, since 2004, as well as his role as president of Plant Heritage, a charity whose patron is King Charles III.

Reflecting on his personal life, Titchmarsh also spoke about his enduring marriage to Alison, whom he married in 1975. The couple shares a deep bond built on friendship and shared values, which he credits to their 48-year union. In a previous interview with Saga Magazine, he said, “I’m always asked the secret to a long marriage, but there’s no easy answer. Shared values, a sense of humor… What really keeps you together is liking each other… being great friends and companions.”

The former Ground Force host reminisced about how he met Alison, revealing with a chuckle that he initially asked out a friend’s now-wife before setting his sights on Alison. “I pursued her… we were always very comfortable,” he shared in a podcast with Gyles Brandreth. He fondly described Alison as “really rather special” and expressed gratitude for her unmaterialistic nature, saying, “I’m a lucky man because she’s the most un-materialistic person I know.”

As Titchmarsh prepares to embrace his new title, he remains grounded in his passion for horticulture and his devotion to family. “I’m thrilled to bits,” he said, capturing the pride and humility of a man whose work has touched countless lives and gardens.