King Charles shown rose named in his honour during Chelsea Flower Show tour with Queen Camilla

19 May 2025, 21:22 | Updated: 20 May 2025, 09:03

King Charles toured the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday, as he and Queen Camilla were introduced to a rose named in the monarch's honour.

Charles and Camilla indulged their passion for gardening during their annual visit to the world-famous horticultural attraction, chatting to cutting-edge designers and first-timers like David Beckham.

Beckham wore a King’s Rose in his button hole, a new bloom bred by rose producer David Austin in support of the King’s Foundation, when he met the King and his wife outside Charles’ Highgrove pop-up shop with fellow foundation ambassador Alan Titchmarsh.

The stick sported by the King was similar to ones he has used at country show grounds over the years and he leaned on it as he and the Queen went their separate ways for much of the visit.

When Beckham met Camilla he said: “Your Majesty, it’s so nice to see you.”

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As she gestured at his buttonhole, he said: “It’s so beautiful, so beautiful, congratulations.”

The royal couple stood with the ambassadors as the Highgrove shopfront was ceremonially unveiled with the opening of a theatre-style pair of Sanderson-designed curtains, reflecting a partnership between the interior design house and the King’s Foundation.

The couple were given a tour of the shop by Scott Simpson, retail director at the King’s Foundation, who said the King “loved” the floral table cloth used for as part of a display and the “God save the King” tableware set.

Camilla enjoyed her time in the London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden which will be moved a short distance into an open space used by the former servicemen and women at the end of the four-day flower show.

Archie Ferguson, 87, a former Army cook, who became a pensioner three years, ago quipped “don’t get too comfortable” when the Queen sat down around a table which had cushions that matched the famous scarlet tunics of the elderly service personnel.

The Queen joked as she looked at the group “you’ll blend in, we won’t know you’re here”.

With her brief trip with the King to Canada coming up, she told the group before she left: “I’m in Canada next week for a day and night.”

Earlier, when the Queen saw the King’s Rose creation, she told its creator David Austin its fragrance was “absolutely delicious” and said “It’s so pretty, I can’t wait to get some.”

The Queen was joined by her daughter Laura Lopes, sister Annabel Elliot and the Queen’s Companion the Marchioness of Lansdowne for her visit to the show.

Also among the entourage were the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley, David and Rose Hanbury.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Snowdon, Princess Beatrice and Princess Michael of Kent were also among showgoers at the preview evening for the show.

The King and Queen began their visit to the show run by the Royal Horticultural Society by touring the BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, designed by broadcaster and TV gardener Monty Don with dogs in mind.

Featuring grass areas, a water feature for pets to enjoy and a large tree providing shade, the brick paths are inscribed with the names of beloved pets, including Don’s dog Ned.

The Queen patted Monty’s dog Ned and the royal couple were shown bricks in the path engraved with the names of their own dogs – the King’s Lagotto Romagnolo, Snuff, and the Queen’s adopted Jack Russell terrier Bluebell and her new puppy Moley, along with Beth, another much-loved rescue dog who died last year.

“We have a scruffy lawn,” said the TV gardener, gesturing to the grass, adding “lots of toys and we have a dog” as he looked at his pet.

Following this week’s show, the dog garden will be moved to Battersea Dog & Cats Home, of which Camilla is patron.