Remembering Queen Elizabeth II
Five oak trees at the RHS gardens have been dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the RHS since 1952
Queen Elizabeth had strong links with the work of the RHS and understood the value of gardening and gardens. She was a regular guest of honour at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and was always keen to talk to exhibitors and designers, revealing a passion for horticulture that she enjoyed applying to her own gardens.
Queen Elizabeth II speaking to designers at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019
Her love for trees was celebrated in her Platinum Jubilee year in 2022, with the launch of The Queen’s Green Canopy, an initiative led by the former Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. The gardens of the Royal Palaces have a history of beautiful trees that was shown in an ITV broadcast in 2018, The Queen’s Green Planet, presented by Sir David Attenborough. HM The Queen and Sir David discussed ‘The Queens Commonwealth Canopy’, a forest conservation and tree planting scheme in the 53 Commonwealth countries. Sir David spoke of ‘her genuine love of nature and her passion for trees of all shapes and sizes’.
The RHS marked the anniversary of her passing on Friday 8 September 2023 at RHS Garden Wisley by placing a wreath beneath the dedicated oak tree in the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, made by the curatorial team using sprigs of rosemary from the garden. Rosemary is a herb that traditionally symbolises remembrance and makes a fitting tribute to a wonderful Patron and Queen.
