Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis has the royal seal of approval for her work as a leading artist.

Prince Charles has twice chosen her as his official artist on tours to the Caribbean and Canada.

The Lewes-based artist has the imaginative touch that appeals to the romantic streak in the Prince of Wales.

It's a tribute to the art-loving Prince that he takes the time and trouble to have an official artist with him on his tours.

And it's one up to Mary Anne that she produces work of such high standard, often in the most trying circumstances.

Now the Prince has given her a generous tribute in the catalogue for a new exhibition she is staging in London.

It's refreshing that amid all his criticism of some aspects of contemporary art and architecture, he should also give encouragement to an artist he really likes.