There are countless roses and just as many names to distinguish them. Abraham Darby, Aimèe Vibert, Alain Blanchard, Alba Amelia, Albertine, Alexandra Renaissance, Alfred de Dalmas, Alister Stella Grey, Ambre Queen, Anna Vena, Aphrodite … just to name a few of those registered, with which these flowers are called. But a new rose has recently received a very important name. The UK’s Royal Horticultural Society has dedicated a rose, created by Harness Roses, to the Princess of Wales, to celebrate the healing power of nature that Kate Middleton has spoken about so often in recent months.
It seems that ‘Catherine’s Rose,’ with its delicate coral flowers, has an intense scent with hints of lokum and mango. The funds raised from its sale will be donated to a cause very dear to Kate — they will contribute to creating a training program for Royal Marsden Cancer Charity medical teams across the UK. The specialist program will also help ensure that patients who need intensive support receive it, so they can live better lives with and after cancer.
“In addition to supporting the incredible work of the Royal Marsden, Catherine’s Rose will raise public awareness of how nature and gardening can contribute to healing,” said Clare Matterson, CEO of the RHS. “We know the importance of this message, because every day we see how access to nature and being outdoors are vital for our health and happiness. Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job cultivating this spectacular rose that will bring so much joy to all gardeners in our country.”
Philip Harkness, CEO of Harkness Roses, added that he was “delighted” that the RHS had chosen to name this new creation after the Princess of Wales and said it was a “privilege” to be involved in the project. Both Kate Middleton and Prince William are supporters of the Royal Marsden Specialist Cancer Centre, and the CEO of the NHS Foundation Trust, Cally Palmer, said she was “very grateful” to Kate Middleton “for initiating this initiative and for the benefits it will bring to cancer patients around the world.”
However, royal fans will have to hurry to secure Kate’s Rose: only 15,000 will be available this year, with more arriving only in 2026. This special flower will undoubtedly be planted in the most beautiful gardens in England. Could we perhaps see it sprouting from the 156-meter herbaceous border of Buckingham Palace? Who knows. In the meantime, one thing is certain: for once the United Kingdom contradicts its most representative poet, William Shakespeare, according to whom, if a rose is called Carla or Catherine, or has any other name, “it would still have the same sweet perfume.”
—Adnkronos International, Rome (TNS)
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