‘Jolly’ King plays carrot recorder at Windsor Castle music reception

The London Vegetable Orchestra is the UK’s only ensemble to use instruments made of hand-crafted local vegetables.

By contributor Eric Williams, PA

Published Apr 3

The King plays a carrot with the London Vegetable Orchestra (Aaron Chown/PA)

The King was described as being “jolly” and “in great spirits” by guests as he played a recorder made out of a carrot at a music reception at Windsor Castle.

Charles returned to official public duties after temporary side effects from cancer treatment forced him to cancel a string of engagements at the end of last week.

The King welcomed musicians to Windsor Castle on Thursday for a reception celebrating community music, having returned to state business on Monday after a restful weekend.

Royal community music reception — The London Vegetable Orchestra (Aaron Chown/PA)

The London Vegetable Orchestra, the UK’s only ensemble to use instruments made of hand-crafted local vegetables, played to the King in St George’s Hall and let him have a turn on one of their carrot recorders.