Ben Fogle has said it's time to "reclaim" the "patriotic" celebration of England as the country welcomes this year's St George's Day celebrations on Friday.
The presenter, 47, said that he believes a love for England is sometimes mistaken for "xenophobia and racism" these days.
And the New Lives in the World presenter wants English people to be able to celebrate St George's Day like their neighbouring countries do for their special occasions.
Speaking to The Express, he commented how Scotland proudly celebrates St Andrew’s Day every year, while Wales has St David’s and Ireland marks St Patrick’s Day.
The adventurer admitted that he feels as though St George's Day has been "hijacked".
Ben said: "English patriotism is also often mistaken for xenophobia, racism or intolerance, and that is very sad – we need to reclaim it from the racists and the xenophobic."
He added that "celebrating Englishness" does not mean a person is celebrating the Empire or trying to insult other nations.
"It doesn’t mean that you hate the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish," he said.
And he continued by saying that he, along with so many others, "loves the rich, multiculturalism of England".
"We should be proud of the distinction that differs from our union of nations," he stated.
He went on to say that he believes every country - including England - should have their national days of celebration as they act as a "source of worldwide pride".
He admitted that he proudly defines himself of English; he had a Scottish grandfather with Eastern European heritage and Canadian father.
In a "post-Brexit world", Ben believes that it is especially important to "define our unique distinctions on an international stage".
St George’s Day, which is also known as the Feast of Saint George is celebrated in countries such as Greece, Portugal and Russia as well as England.
Legend has it that St George – who some think was actually born in either modern-day Turkey or Syria – was a soldier in the Roman army who managed to slay a dragon to save a princess.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
