The Royal Horticultural Society has revealed it has named a new rose ‘Catherine’s Rose’ after the Princess of Wales in tribute to her love of nature with money raised from its sales going to a cancer charity
The Princess of Wales has had a rose named after her to highlight the healing power of nature – and to raise money for cancer care. It has been announced that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has bestowed the name Catherine’s Rose on the flower to raise awareness of the role that spending time outdoors plays in supporting people’s mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Funds from the sale of Catherine’s Rose will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to help ensure patients who need intensive support live well with, and beyond, cancer. Kate, who revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in March last year, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy and announced in September that she had completed her treatment.
She made a surprise visit in January to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated and revealed she was in remission – and is now a joint patron of the hospital alongside husband Prince William. The floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses, has coral-pink blooms with a scent of Turkish Delight and mango.
The RHS said its flowers will attract pollinators and will thrive in a mixed border, as a hedge, in a large container or in a rose bed. Kate, who joined the rest of the royals at the VE Day 80th anniversary concert last night, has long advocated the benefits of spending time in the natural world, previously revealing how nature became her family’s ‘sanctuary’ in the wake of her diagnosis and during her chemotherapy treatment.
In a post to mark Mother’s Day earlier this year, she said: “Let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.”
Clare Matterson, RHS director general, said: “As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine’s Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal. We know how important this message is as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.
“Crucially too, Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job breeding this spectacular rose that is going to bring so much joy to all our nation’s gardeners and keep our precious pollinators buzzing too. It’s a really special rose.”
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden’s mission is to ensure every patient has the care and support they need to achieve the best outcome and patient experience.
“Every rose sold will help The Royal Marsden establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country in prehabilitation and rehabilitation techniques which make such a difference to patient care.”
The roses will be available to purchase on roses.co.uk and rhsplants.co.uk from Friday, with a bare root rose costing £29.99 and a potted plant priced at £34.99. There will be 15,000 Catherine’s Rose available in 2025 and for every plant sold, £5 will be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.