King Charles III (77) has planted a new variety in the rose garden during his summer stay at the Castle of Mey. The Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden of the estate in Caithness will now feature the King's Rose, a cultivar that bears the monarch's name. The castle announced this on its Instagram channel. His Majesty has begun his summer break in Scotland at the castle and gardens of Mey, it stated there.
In the photos, the King stands in a tweed jacket and kilt next to a pot containing the plant. In his hand, he holds the walking stick he frequently uses in Scotland.
Vacation in Grandmother's Garden
His rose was cultivated by the British heritage company David Austin Roses together with the King's Foundation, the King's nature and sustainability charity. The semi-double shrub blooms multiple times a year, with petals featuring striking pink and white stripes. In addition to Castle of Mey, it can also be found in two other King's Foundation gardens.
The gardens of Mey date back to the Queen Mother (1900-2002), the King's grandmother. She created and maintained them over decades. Back in August 2005, Charles, together with his wife Camilla (79), had planted two sycamore trees in front of the castle.
A Date with Family History
There is a personal reason why the King stops in Caithness specifically during the first week of August. August 4th is his grandmother's birthday, and since her death in 2002, Charles has maintained this appointment. The Queen Mother herself traditionally spent three weeks every year in August at Mey, plus ten days in October.
The castle on the north coast of Scotland was built between 1566 and 1572 and was the seat of the Earls of Caithness for generations. In 1952, just weeks after the death of her husband King George VI, the Queen Mother purchased the then-dilapidated building, which was threatened with demolition, and had it extensively restored. From May to September, the castle is open to the public, except when the King and Queen are staying there themselves.
Onward to Balmoral
The vacation had already begun on Saturday with a visit to the Mey Highland Games. Wearing a kilt, the monarch watched tug-of-war, stone putting, and caber tossing, and was served a whisky. The games were established in 1970 in the village of Mey for the Queen Mother's 70th birthday.
As royal tradition dictates, Charles will remain in Scotland for the summer. After his days in Caithness, he is expected at Balmoral Castle, about four hours away, the royal family's second Scottish retreat. Other royals typically join him there as well.
