One of Queen Victoria’s great loves was horticulture and gardening, and throughout her long reign, she used the symbolism of flowers to express her love for Prince Albert.
It is perhaps no surprise, therefore, that Victoria was one of the Chelsea Flower Show’s biggest supporters in the early days of the event, and is largely responsible for the show becoming the grand occasion that it is today.
In 1862, the Royal Horticultural Society, which was established in 1804 to promote gardening in Britain, organised the inaugural Great Spring Show in Kensington.
The Great Spring Show is the formal name of the Chelsea Flower Show, although it wouldn’t relocate to Royal Hospital Chelsea until after Victoria had died.
Victoria was one of the first visitors to the grand horticultural showpiece, continuing to attend it regularly throughout her life.
She was also a patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, and was keen to support its work in advancing the science and practice of horticulture.
In 1888, Victoria bestowed the Royal Charter upon the Royal Horticultural Society, which gave it official recognition as a trusted society and granted it the right to use the prefix “Royal” in its name. This was a significant honour, and it significantly elevated the status of the Chelsea Flower Show and the Royal Horticultural Society in the eyes of the public.
As a tribute to Queen Victoria, the Royal Horticultural Society created the Victoria Medal of Honour in 1897, which is still awarded today to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to horticulture.
Victoria’s association with the Chelsea Flower Show helped to establish it as one of the most important flower shows in the world and cemented its reputation as a showcase for the best in horticulture and gardening.
Her love of gardening and her patronage of the Royal Horticultural Society helped to promote the importance of horticulture and the benefits of gardening to the wider public.
Today, the Chelsea Flower Show remains a highlight of the British social calendar and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Amongst the guests who annual attend the event held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea are members of The Royal Family, continuing Queen Victoria’s legacy.
Queen Elizabeth II attended the show almost every year of her reign, including in 2022, when it was one of the very few engagements she conducted.
As the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show gets underway, visitors can rest arrived that it continues to promote the very best in horticulture and gardening, and it serves as a fitting tribute to Queen Victoria’s love flowers.
