I think I was always realistic - well, not the Percy thing, that was ridiculous - but I never dreamed of being a racing car driver or anything.

When I'm in Italy on a Friday night, my first supper there is a big bowl of fresh pasta and a glass of local wine, sitting outside. There's nothing better.

Gardening is, apart from having children, the most rewarding thing in life

Be kind to your garden and be gentle on your back!

I am partly to blame for the decking boom, and I am sorry, I know it?s everywhere these days.

Don't overdo the booze especially while flying - just because it's there doesn't mean you need to drink it. Everything in moderation.

I never get bored of my wife. It's lovely.

I've covered a lot of the British countryside and the UK from top to bottom and side to side. It's such a pity more people don't appreciate what's on their doorstep.

Depends on the evening. A good red wine is nice in cold weather. A Claret or a Rioja. I've got a good gin we make from damson plums. And you can't beat a glass of champagne every now and again.

I'm a big fan of the Queen. She carries herself well, as does the Prince of Wales, despite getting lots of stick.

I get nice letters, but really I have no idea. I just try to enthuse people. You've been married for 31 years.

Your charisma and charm can make your moments more memorable for amazing first impressions.

The war had changed him, inside and out, in ways he could never have fathomed.

My interest was magic, believe it or not. I became an amateur magician and did something like 400 magic shows through my teen years.

I'd started going to acting classes at 14, played 'Medea' at 15 and really wanted to be a classical actress.

The ideal life is that which has few friends, but many acquaintances.

Many are the thyrsus-bearers, but few are the mystics.

I have to win this now, and for all time, or I’ll fight it every day and it will get worse and worse.

Let us take our bloated nothingness out of the path of the divine circuits.

The best part of every author is in general to be found in his book, I assure you.

There are so many layers of bullshit and everything sounds the same.