Landscape designer Alan Williams has given a rare, charming insight into collaborating with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, describing their partnership as “magical” while recounting one particularly surreal royal meeting that left him both thrilled and slightly overwhelmed.

Ahead of the unveiling of the “Plants with Purpose” garden at the Royal Windsor Flower Show next month, Williams spoke candidly with Good Housekeeping about his hands-on experience working directly with the Duchess. The project, which aims to raise awareness about healthy soil, sustainable food production, and opportunities for young people in agriculture, has been a deeply personal passion project for Sophie.

“It’s been magical. It’s been amazing,” Williams shared. “The Duchess has just been so involved in the process from start to finish.” He emphasised that the collaboration was truly equal, not a one-sided presentation of ideas. “It’s not just me putting things in front of the Duchess and saying, ‘This is what we’re doing.’ She’s been really involved… We’ve changed materials, chosen them together, and talked it all through to make sure she’s happy with them.”

The pair held multiple detailed planning sessions, often at Bagshot Park, where Sophie and Prince Edward reside. Williams recalled how they would discuss preferences, likes and dislikes, and creative visions over tea, coffee, and biscuits. “It’s always bizarre and weird, isn’t it?” he admitted with a smile. “When you get to go and meet at one of the royal households and sit there and have a cup of coffee with them and just talk about stuff that you’re really passionate about.”

One standout moment involved a potting shed Williams secretly added to a mood board. “I sneakily included it on the mood board within the final presentation of ideas because I knew she was gonna love it,” he revealed. His intuition was spot on — the Duchess “absolutely fell in love with it” the moment she saw the design.

Their collaboration extended beyond meeting rooms. The Duchess and Williams even visited a nursery together to personally select plants and trees, ensuring every element of the garden felt special and meaningful. “We’ve chosen bits and pieces to go in there to make it really special,” Williams said warmly.

This level of involvement reflects Sophie’s well-known work ethic and genuine passion for causes close to her heart. As one of the most active and reliable senior royals, she has increasingly focused on sustainability, agriculture, and supporting young people — themes perfectly aligned with the Plants with Purpose garden.

The project originated from a conversation Williams had with Adam Scott, the Duchess’s head gardener at Bagshot Park and Windsor Castle. After pitching the idea, Scott loved it and helped bring it to Sophie’s attention. The rest, as Williams describes, has been an incredibly rewarding creative journey.

For Williams, working with a member of the royal family has been both professional and surreal. The “bizarre” feeling of sitting casually with a Duchess, discussing soil health and garden design over coffee, is something he says he’ll never forget. Yet beneath the novelty is clear mutual respect and shared enthusiasm for the project’s goals.

The garden will mark another significant public engagement for Sophie following her recent international trips, including a visit to Geneva. It also underscores her growing reputation as a thoughtful, hands-on royal who prefers deep involvement rather than simply lending her name to initiatives.

Fans and royal watchers have reacted positively to the designer’s warm account, praising Sophie’s approachable and dedicated nature. Many see it as further evidence of why she has become one of the most respected and well-liked members of the royal family in recent years.

As the Royal Windsor Flower Show approaches, anticipation is building for the official unveiling of the Plants with Purpose garden. For Alan Williams, the experience has been unforgettable — a perfect blend of professional achievement and a slightly surreal brush with royalty.

In an era where the monarchy continues to modernise and connect with contemporary issues like sustainability and youth empowerment, collaborations like this highlight the valuable role hands-on royals like Duchess Sophie can play. Her genuine passion and collaborative spirit have clearly made a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to work with her.

Whether you’re a royal enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful gardens with purpose, this latest project from the Duchess of Edinburgh promises to be both visually stunning and meaningfully impactful.