The Royal Family are known for their deep love of Scotland, and even have special titles which they use while visiting the country. While Balmoral is known as a particular favourite residence of the royals - particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II - there's another much-loved Scottish castle which is often overlooked, and almost forgotten about completely.
This summer, the Royal Family has revealed that The King will be enjoying a break at The Castle and Gardens of Mey in Caithness, North-East Scotland. The residence has a long history, dating back to the 1500s, but was bought by The Queen Mother in 1952. Given the castle formerly belonged to his grandmother, the location also holds a special, sentimental meaning for King Charles.
The King's latest visit, however, not only pays tribute to his grandmother, but also his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. At the castle, there is a Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden, planted to mark 60 years of the late Queen's historic reign (she reigned for more than 70 before she passed in 2022). During his summer visit this week, King Charles made a moving and very special addition to the grounds - The King’s Rose.
The King's Rose is a special variety of rose bred by David Austin roses and officially named in honour of His Majesty. The English scrub rose has striped pink and white petals with a vibrant yellow 'stamen' centre to attract pollitnators, and heart-shaped leaves. According to David Austin, the roses have a 'light-medium musk fragrance' with 'hints of fresh red apple and rosewater.' The flower was created in partnership with The King's Foundation, and £2.50 from the sale of each one goes towards the project's work.
The King isn't the only member of the Royal Family to have had a flower created in their honour. The Royal Horticultural Society named a coral-coloured rose bred by Harkness Roses in honour of the Princess of Wales. The RHS website says the flower was created to 'celebrate the incredible healing power of nature and raise awareness of the important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.'
Like the The King's Rose, proceeds from 'Catherine's Rose' go towards a cause close to her heart, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity (Kate was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital). When in Scotland the Prince and Princess of Wales are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
