King Charles Makes a Symbolic Addition to Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Garden — and It's Named After Him
The King's latest visit to the Castle of Mey included a symbolic gesture celebrating family legacy.
The royal palaces have always been a subject of public awe, and while Balmoral is often seen as the Royal Family's favorite Scottish retreat, there's another historic residence that holds just as much sentimental value. The Castle of Mey, tucked away in Caithness in the far north of Scotland, has long been a cherished royal home and is closely linked to King Charles' family history. During his summer visit this week, the King made a touching tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, by adding a special new feature to the castle's beautiful gardens.
Although not much is said about it, the Castle of Mey was very special to the Queen Mother. The palace dates back to the 1500s but became part of royal history when the Queen Mother purchased it in 1952. She lovingly restored the property and spent many happy summers there with her family. Today, the castle remains a special place for Charles, who inherited it from his grandmother.
While the King uses it for a peaceful Scottish retreat, this year it was different. According to Good Housekeeping, while the Castle remains special to the family, the King infused it with his love of gardening and flowers. The King added The King's Rose to the castle grounds. The newly introduced flower has been planted in the Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden, which was originally created to celebrate the late Queen's 60 years on the throne.
The late monarch reigned for more than 70 years before her death in September 2022, making the garden a lasting tribute to her remarkable service. The King's Rose is a new variety created by renowned breeder David Austin Roses and officially named in honor of His Majesty. The English shrub rose features striking pink-and-white striped petals with a bright yellow center, designed to attract pollinators.
It also has heart-shaped leaves and produces a light-to-medium musk fragrance with notes of fresh red apple and rosewater. The rose was developed in partnership with The King's Foundation, with approx $3 from every rose sold going towards supporting the charity's work. As well as celebrating the King, the flower also reflects his long-standing commitment to nature, sustainability, and the environment. However, Charles is not the only royal to have a flower named after him.
Earlier this year, the Royal Horticultural Society unveiled Catherine's Rose, a coral-coloured bloom bred by Harkness Roses in honor of Princess Kate. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the rose was created to celebrate nature's healing power and to raise awareness of the benefits of spending time outdoors for people's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. It was an ode to her journey battling cancer. The society donates the profit from every sale to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a cause particularly close to Kate's heart after receiving treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
