QUEEN OF GREEN Blooms that lift the royal spirits
THE Queen worked behind the scenes to ensure the first ever virtual Chelsea Flower Show flourishes – by getting her family to post photos of their favourite blooms.
The monarch, 94, who usually tours the event before it opens each year, also sent a message of support to organisers the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) yesterday.
She wrote: “On the occasion of the opening of the Virtual Chelsea Flower Show 2020, I send my best wishes to all those associated with the Royal Horticultural Society.
“My family and I have always enjoyed visiting the show, and I know that your members and supporters will be disappointed that they are unable to attend in person this year.
“As patron of the RHS, I was pleased to hear that you will be providing gardening advice and virtual sessions on your website, from Monday 18 to Saturday May 23.
“I am sure that my grandmother, Queen Mary, who first attended the Chelsea Flower Show in 1916, would be delighted that many people today have an enthusiasm for horticulture, and that gardening remains a popular pastime in the United Kingdom.
“As you adapt to the present circumstances, I hope you find this unique event enjoyable and interesting.”
The Queen, who has rarely missed a show during her 68-year reign, also revealed one of her favourite blooms was lily-of-the-valley, which she included in her Coronation bouquet.
She posted a photo of the plant in Buckingham Palace’s gardens. Other royals also shared pictures of their favourite flowers under the hashtag #mychelseagarden.
The RHS is urging people to post “positive images of plants and beautiful gardens to help ease anxiety and provide a moment of respite in the current circumstances”.
Organisers are hoping that Virtual Chelsea, which runs until Saturday on www.rhs.org.uk, will help raise spirits during the lockdown, especially as it coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week. The Royal Family’s association with the show spans more than a century with Queen Alexandra, the monarch’s great-grandmother, opening the event in 1913 and her grandmother Queen Mary first visiting it in 1916.
The Queen has been patron of the RHS since she 1952.
Last year the Duchess of Cambridge exhibited a garden, and in 2015 and 2013 Prince Harry helped create plots to promote his charity Sentebale. In 2002 Prince Charles designed one in memory of the Queen Mother.