The Queen’s cheeky quip exposed ahead of ITV Jubilee event

TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh has recalled a hilarious remark made by the Queen during an informal meeting the pair shared, admitting he is “still smiling” to this day.

As the TV presenter opened up about his experience with Queen Elizabeth ahead of her Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, he revealed the monarch made a cheeky quip following his appearance at the Sandringham Women’s Institute.

He told ITV: “I’ve been lucky enough to meet Her Majesty many times both formally and informally and have sat next to her at lunch on a couple of occasions where I enjoyed wide-ranging conversations.

“I treasure the MBE that Her Majesty pinned on me in the Millennium New Year Honours and also the remark she made as she shook my hand.

“I had talked to the Sandringham Women’s Institute a few weeks before my investiture and The Queen, as a member, was in the audience.

“It seemed to go down well and The Queen laughed in all the right places. As she shook my hand at the investiture she said: ‘Well, you give a lot of ladies a lot of pleasure.’ I am still smiling.”

Alan is presenting the entire pageant from Wednesday to Saturday and on the Sunday he will host the parade of Her Majesty’s horses and carriages.

The avid gardner will join Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Damian Lewis and Adjoa Andoh in the stellar hosting line up.

Speaking about his famous co-hosts, Alan said: “Tom Cruise and I are not a natural pairing, but I’m all for breaking the mould!

“It’s raised a few eyebrows and given rise to a few comments, but it has also raised the profile of the event.

“At least I was described as a ‘Gardening A-lister’, so that will do me, though as well as being a man of the earth I have also been a television presenter and talk show host for more than thirty years now.

“I just want to get out there and do a good job and I am sure Tom Cruise feels the same.”

Alan also spoke of his “pride” and admiration for the monarch at the age of 96.

“I admire anyone who can continue to hold office at the age of 96. When the office is that of Sovereign, I reckon that is something well worth celebrating and being thankful for.. Goodness she’s earned our respect!”

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration airs Sunday, May 15 on ITV and ITV Hub

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