Queen Elizabeth II attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world-famous gardening event held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, for more than 50 times during her 70-year reign.
The Queen, who died peacefully at her Scottish retreat Balmoral on Thursday 8th September 2022, became Patron of the Society on accession to the throne in 1952 following the death of her father, carrying on the dynastic association with the RHS which had begun in Victorian times. She performed the role alongside HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, who was Patron of the RHS for 65 years until her death in 2002.
From an early age, the Queen regularly accompanied her parents to the Chelsea Flower Show, taking great pleasure in touring the gardens and plant displays and speaking with exhibitors.
The Queen and other members of the Royal Family usually toured the gardens and floral displays on Press Day, a day before the show officially opens. The Queen attended the show in May this year, where she was able to view some very special floral exhibitions. The RHS honoured the Queen with tributes to mark her Platinum Jubilee, and to reflect her long-standing support for the charity, as well as her love of flowers and gardens.
'Her Majesty understood the importance of gardening and there can be no doubt that The Queen and HRH Prince Philip enjoyed the peace and privacy of their gardens at Sandringham, Norfolk, Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, and at Buckingham Palace, but they also enjoyed the gardens as a venue for summer garden parties; it is said that no one knew the gardens of Buckingham Palace better than The Queen,' the RHS said in a statement.
Take a look at Queen Elizabeth II's history at RHS Chelsea and past exhibits in her honour...