A rose has been named after the Princess of Wales to celebrate her work highlighting the ‘incredible healing power of nature’ and to help raise vital funds for cancer care.
Catherine’s Rose, a coral-pink floribunda, has a rich perfume with hints of Turkish Delight and mango, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) said in its announcement.
Grown by Harkness Roses, the flowers will be available to purchase from today – and for every plant sold £5 will be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The funds will help the the Royal Marsden, where Kate underwent chemotherapy treatment last year, establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country.
This specialist prehabilitation and rehabilitation initiative will help to ensure patients who need intensive support live well with, and beyond, cancer.
Kate, who revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in March last year, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy and announced in September that she had completed her treatment.
She made a surprise visit in January to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated and revealed she was in remission.
The RHS also bestowed the name Catherine’s Rose on the flower to raise awareness of the role that spending time outdoors plays in supporting people’s mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
A rose has been named after the Princess of Wales (pictured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023) to celebrate her work highlighting the ‘incredible healing power of nature’
Mother-of-three Kate has been open about how the natural world has brought her comfort as she’s struggled through a difficult year.
Kate has previously described finding nature ‘very spiritual’ and discussed her ‘intense emotional reconnection’ with the environment during a trip to the Lake District to meet with Scouts getting their Naturalist Badge in March.
The royal also explained on Mother’s Day this year that nature ‘has been our sanctuary’.
Sharing a clip which celebrates the power of Mother Nature, Kate wrote: ‘Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary.
‘This Mother’s Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life. C.’
Meanwhile, in July last year, while she was still undergoing chemotherapy, she issued a statement hailing the ‘power of nature’ in supporting ‘wellbeing’ as she marked the opening of the Natural History Museum’s new gardens.
‘I am hugely supportive of the Museum’s commitment to create a special space which encourages people of all ages to reconnect with nature and learn more about how we can protect our natural world,’ Kate wrote on Instagram.
‘I know the power of nature to support our development and wellbeing, both by bringing us joy and helping to keep us physically, mentally and spiritually healthy.
Catherine’s Rose (pictured), a coral-pink floribunda, has a rich perfume with hints of Turkish Delight and mango, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) said
Bred by Harkness Roses, the flowers (pictured) will be available to purchase from today via roses.co.uk and rhsplants.co.uk, and for every plant sold £5 will be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
‘I hope these gardens will be inspiring and transformative for the thousands of people who visit.’
Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: ‘As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine’s Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal.
‘We know how important this message is as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.
‘Crucially too, Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job breeding this spectacular rose that is going to bring so much joy to all our nation’s gardeners and keep our precious pollinators buzzing too! It’s a really special rose.’
Philip Harkness, Managing Director, Harkness Roses, said: ‘We’re delighted the RHS is naming this stunning floribunda rose for The Princess of Wales, celebrating wellness and nature.
‘It is a privilege for Harkness Roses to work with The Royal Marsden where donations of this beautiful rose will help raise funds for this vital charity.’
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden’s mission is to ensure every patient has the care and support they need to achieve the best outcome and patient experience.
‘Every rose sold will help The Royal Marsden establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country in prehabilitation and rehabilitation techniques which make such a difference to patient care.
The Princess of Wales pictured during a June 2021 visit to the Natural History Museum
‘We are honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre and we are very grateful to The Princess and the Royal Horticultural Society for setting up this initiative and for the benefit it will bring to cancer patients everywhere.’
Catherine’s Rose will be available by pre-order only and roses will be delivered in Autumn 2025 as bare root plants.
With flowers that attract pollinators, Catherine’s Rose will thrive in a mixed border, as a hedge, in a large container or in a rose bed, said the RHS.
There will be 15,000 Catherine’s Rose available in 2025. The bare root rose will be £29.99 and potted plant £34.99. Further Catherine’s Roses will be available in Spring and Autumn 2026.