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A ROSY DAY OUT FOR THE QUEEN AND HER FAMILY

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23 MAY 2006

It's not often the Queen gets to enjoy a day out with all four of her children, so it was small surprise to see her beaming from ear to ear on Monday afternoon. Even the best efforts of the British weather could do little to put a dampener on proceedings as the monarch met up with her nearest and dearest at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Royal aides armed with umbrellas were on hand to keep the raindrops at bay as the Windsors enjoyed a preview of the displays. Once inside the venue they were taken on separate tours, before being reunited inside the Royal Hospital for the official opening reception.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, who was wearing a navy polka-dot suit, both seemed very interested in all the new varieties on show. And although Prince Andrew is not so well-known for his interest in horticulture, there was no disguising his delight when he unexpectedly bumped into his elder brother while strolling through the gardens.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex had meanwhile decided to make it a social event by bringing along a large group of their friends. And they weren't the only ones in convivial form, as Prince and Princess Michael of Kent rolled up to the doors with a 15-strong entourage in tow.