“Countryfile” trades muddy fields for manicured lawns in its Christmas special, venturing onto the royal grounds of Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It’s a festive peek behind the hedges, offering viewers a glimpse into the royal approach to Christmas and, more importantly, the King’s prized brussels sprouts.
Matt Baker gets his hands dirty (presumably not literally, given the royal setting) assisting with the sprout harvest, while Adam Henson engages with a local farmer who utilizes the estate’s wildflower meadow for sheep grazing. The episode underscores the King’s commitment to sustainability. We also meet students participating in The King’s Foundation education programmes, further highlighting the royal commitment to the next generation.
And because no Christmas special is complete without a feast, the episode culminates with the royal chef preparing a Christmas dinner, featuring the aforementioned royal sprouts and, one assumes, a turkey that didn’t spend its life crammed in a tiny cage. It’s a wholesome and informative look at Christmas at Highgrove, likely to satisfy both royal watchers and fans of sustainable agriculture.
“Countryfile” airs Sundays on BBC One.
