The Princess of Wales has spoken openly about how much she appreciated nature during her cancer treatment, saying that it had been her family’s “sanctuary” when she underwent chemotherapy. She also said of powers: “Nature has helped me heal. There is so much we can learn from Mother Nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world.”
With her appreciation of nature in mind, it’s touching to learn that Princess Kate has gifted a rose to a prison’s mother and baby unit in Cheshire, where it was planted in the garden to mark a year since her visit.
Action for Children, of which the Princess of Wales is patron, said the “Catherine’s Rose”, named after the Princess, was placed in its new home on Wednesday by a mother and child who met the royal at HMP Styal, a women’s prison in Cheshire, last February, and staff from the charity.
Of the rose’s new home beside the pond at the prison, Amanda Taylor, operational director of children’s services at Action for Children, said: “We were delighted to plant ‘Catherine’s Rose’ at HMP Styal, one year on from the princess’ visit.
The charity, which runs the mother and baby service, said the princess had discussed the prospect of the rose, which was then in development, being given as a gift for the outside space while she was touring the unit in 2025.
© Kensington Palace / Will Warr“The prison pond and gardens are of huge value to the mothers and babies here, providing children with space to enjoy nature and explore the outdoors, and this new addition will be treasured both by the families we support and staff alike. I would like to thank the Princess of Wales for her kind donation.”
What is Catherine’s Rose?
‘Catherine’s Rose’ is a floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses, and will produce coral-pink blooms and a “rich perfume with hints of Turkish Delight and mango”.
© RHSThe rose, which was named after the future Queen by the Royal Horticultural Society last May, “celebrates the incredible healing power of nature and raises awareness of the important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.”
500 Catherine’s Rose plants were given to green spaces and wellbeing gardens across the UK, and funds from the sale of Catherine’s Rose go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which treated Her Royal Highness.
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