The Archers

Drudge Headlines aren't always correct.  Today he has "Prince Charles's wife to appear on BBC soap opera...".  The Duchess of Cornwall will appear on The Archers.  The show is NOT a soap opera.  It is a "farm show".  It is about getting out farm news and has been for decades.  It just happens to center on the village of Ambridge and the Brookfield Farm

The BBC announcement can be found here:

Archers role for the Duchess of Cornwall

The Duchess (r) will feature in the show in her role as president of the National Osteoporosis Society


The Duchess of Cornwall is to appear in BBC Radio 4's long-running rural drama The Archers, listeners have heard.

On Wednesday's episode, regular character Caroline Sterling revealed that the Duchess was to pay a visit to the Grey Gables hotel.

Camilla's brief appearance - recorded in early December - will be broadcast on 16 February.

She will feature in the programme in her role as president of the National Osteoporosis Society.

It is not the first time a member of the royal family has appeared on Radio 4's "everyday tale of country folk".

In 1984 the late Princess Margaret appeared in an episode marking the centenary of the NSPCC, of which she was president.

The Archers celebrated 60 years on air on 2 January, an anniversary it marked by killing off one of its characters.♠

On 16 February Camilla will visit BBC's Birmingham studios to meet members of the Archers cast and attend a reception.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Here is the story line for 2 January of this year.

The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary with a thrilling double episode.

Nigel and Elizabeth welcome family and friends to Lower Loxley but Helen’s got a headache. When Amy sees her swollen ankles, she advises Helen to get to hospital.

The doctors diagnose pre-eclampsia. While Tom and Tony wait for the baby to be delivered by emergency caesarean section, Tony’s distraught that he’s not been supportive of Helen. His fear turns to joy when Pat comes out and announces they have a beautiful grandson, Henry Ian Archer.

As the party guests await news of Helen, David suggests he and Nigel take the New Year banner down, to save him having to come back tomorrow. Elizabeth won’t hear of it, and when Brenda receives the good news from Tom, Elizabeth sends Nigel off to get Champagne from the cellar.

David persuades him that they’ve got time to get the banner down, while the women discuss the news of the baby. Nigel’s confident he knows all the footholds on the roof. It’s secret Pargetter knowledge passed down from his father. But he loses his footing when the wind blows the banner into his face. Nigel clings on as David desperately tries to reach him but it’s too late, the wind carries a terrified Nigel over the edge.

Needless to say, Nigel doesn't make it.

Here is the 'gen on Nigel

Born: 08 Jun 1959
Status: Married
Occupation: Stately home owner / manager
Nigel died in a fall from the roof of Lower Loxley on 2 Jan 2011.

Being born of country gentry isn't always an advantage in life, as Nigel found out when he inherited the dubious charms of Lower Loxley Hall. More used to playing the loveable fool, he discovered that funding the house's upkeep is a full time job, and he's happy and grateful to have efficient wife Elizabeth alongside him at the helm.

Some of his schemes have been a little bizarre, but most pan out well, with Elizabeth's sensible guidance to iron out some of his eccentricities.

Like a over-eager puppy Nigel bursts with enthusiastic ideas, some of which are indulged and some squashed. Luckily Elizabeth gave the seal of approval to both his wine production and "green wedding" plans.