British Embassy Gardens Organic for Royal Visit

The head gardener at the British embassy in Washington has assured that King Charles III and Queen Camilla can safely walk barefoot on the grounds during their upcoming state visit, as the lawns are maintained without pesticides in line with organic principles.

John Sonnier, who oversees the extensive gardens at the official residence, spoke on Earth Day to emphasize the site's environmental standards. The embassy shared a video on social media highlighting the grounds ahead of the royal couple's trip, scheduled to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Sonnier explained that the maintenance practices mirror those at the king's private estate, Highgrove, in Gloucestershire, where sustainability is a priority. "We maintain our gardens every day of the year as if the King is going to be here the next day," he said. He added with a light touch, "We prepare for important dignitaries every day of the year, so I guess my biggest concern about the state visit is all the people in my garden."

Sonnier stressed the organic approach, noting, "The one thing that we do that's very similar to what they do at Highgrove is that we are a sustainable garden, pesticide free,...