Ainsley Harriott snubbed from Chelsea Flower Show VIP day again
Ainsley Harriott will miss the Chelsea Flower Show’s VIP day for the third year in a row. The TV chef has not received an invitation since 2022, following an incident involving his sister at the event. Organisers say he remains welcome to attend if he chooses to do so. The dispute began in 2022 when Harriott’s sister, Jacqueline, fell into a pond at the BBC Studios Our Green Planet and RHS Bee Garden. Bystanders, including Harriott, quickly pulled her from the water. Jacqueline was rushed to hospital but later made a full recovery.
After the accident, Harriott threatened legal action against the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). His agent has since confirmed he was not invited to the VIP day in 2023 or 2024. Despite this, the RHS maintains that Harriott is free to visit the show if he wishes. The chef has been a regular at the Chelsea Flower Show, attending at least eight times in the past. This year’s event will include a garden co-designed by King Charles and Sir David Beckham. Meanwhile, Harriott recently hosted an ITV cooking series filmed in three National Trust kitchen gardens.
The RHS has not extended a VIP invitation to Harriott for two consecutive years. His absence follows the 2022 pond incident and subsequent legal threats. The society’s stance remains that he is not barred from attending the show.
