Julie Soskin

Sir Roderic Victor Llewellyn, 5th Baronet, born in 1947, is a British figure known for his multifaceted career as a garden designer, journalist, author, and television presenter. He also holds the title of baronet. Llewellyn's early life included education at Shrewsbury School and Merrist Wood College, and he inherited the baronetcy in 2009. His personal life gained significant public attention due to his eight-year relationship with Princess Margaret, which began in 1973. This relationship, often sensationalized by the media, was a factor in the dissolution of the Princess's marriage. Despite the public scrutiny, Llewellyn has pursued a career focused on horticulture, writing, and broadcasting.

Llewellyn's passion for gardening, reportedly sparked in his youth, has been a central theme throughout his professional life. He runs a garden design company and has lectured extensively on the subject at various venues. His published works include several books on gardening, reflecting his expertise and interest in plants. Beyond gardening, Llewellyn has contributed to journalism through magazine articles and newspaper columns, and has hosted television programs related to home and gardening. He also briefly explored a music career. His interest in heritage extends to his work as an assistant herald, where he was noted for tracing ancestries.

Roddy Llewellyn's deep-seated fascination with plants has been a defining aspect of his career. He attributes his initial introduction to gardening to his nanny. Llewellyn's personal estate, Llanfair Grange, featured extensive grounds with lawns, views, and a substantial vegetable garden, fostering his early engagement with horticulture. He currently operates his own company, Roddy Llewellyn's Garden Design. Llewellyn is a frequent lecturer, sharing his expertise at events such as the Retirement Show, Dobbies Garden Centre, Hereford Cathedral, and the Malvern Spring Gardening Show. He has also delivered themed lectures on garden design during cruises. His published works on gardening include titles like 'Town Gardens,' 'Beautiful Backyards,' and 'Roddy Llewellyn's Gardening Year,' demonstrating a consistent output of content related to horticultural practices and garden aesthetics.

In addition to his horticultural endeavors, Roddy Llewellyn has established a notable presence in journalism and broadcasting. He has authored numerous articles for a variety of publications, including 'Country Life,' 'Country Illustrated,' 'The Lady,' and 'The Sunday Times,' focusing primarily on gardening themes. His journalistic contributions also extended to writing columns for 'The Daily Star' and 'The Mail on Sunday.' In the realm of television, Llewellyn presented programs such as 'The Home Show' and 'The Gardening Roadshow.' He also made an appearance on 'Gardeners' World.' For twelve years, he served as the Gardening Correspondent for 'The Mail on Sunday,' solidifying his role as a prominent voice in garden-related media.

Roddy Llewellyn's personal life, particularly his eight-year relationship with Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon, garnered significant public and media attention. Their association began in 1973, and photographs of them together in Mustique in 1976 led to considerable tabloid coverage, with Llewellyn being dubbed her 'toy boy.' He issued a public apology for any embarrassment caused to the royal family. The relationship was acknowledged as a contributing factor to the dissolution of Princess Margaret's marriage to the Earl of Snowdon. Following the Princess's death in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly expressed gratitude to a mutual acquaintance for introducing them, stating that Llewellyn had made her sister very happy. Llewellyn married Tatiana Soskin in 1981, and they have three daughters.

“I have always been fascinated by plants...They give me an enormous amount of solace.”

“we had huge lawns and wonderful views. It was pretty country...it had a big vegetable garden and fabulous trees.”

“He was well-mannered, well-spoken, and amusing; above all, he was very sweet-natured.”

“I much regret any embarrassment caused to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family, for whom I wish to express the greatest respect, admiration and loyalty”