3 NOVEMBER 2003
Prince Charles showed his flower power at the weekend, when villagers in the north Indian town of Bhaonata placed no fewer than 28 garlands of marigolds and roses around his neck. "They are hot and heavy, but smell nice," said the Prince, with petals piled up to his ears.

The Prince of Wales has been continuing his nine-day tour of India by visiting villages and conservation projects in Rajasthan. During a trip to a nursery school in Jaipur, he also met his five-year-old godson Padmanabh Singh.

The youngster, who is next in line to Maharaja Bhawani Singh, presented his godfather with a bouquet. The Maharaja, who is an old friend of Prince Charles, is the leading member of Rajastan royalty. His friendship with the Prince of Wales, whom he first met in 1975, developed from shared passions for polo and architecture.

"They are close friends," revealed a Clarence House aide. "The Maharajah made a personal request that the Prince should visit the school in the palace, which was founded by his daughter."

Over the weekend, Charles also inspected the work of local artists and craftsmen, one of whom had painted a detailed portrait of the royal visitor onto his thumbnail. Another had penned the words "Heartiest welcome, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, to the City Palace Jaipur, Niru," onto a single grain of rice.