The King has marked the start of his annual summer stay at the Castle of Mey by planting a specially cultivated rose in the gardens of the Caithness estate.
King Charles traditionally spends the first week of August at the Castle of Mey, continuing a long-standing family tradition that coincides with the birthday of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
During his visit, the King planted the King’s Rose in the castle’s Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden. The rose was developed by David Austin Roses in partnership with The King’s Foundation and was named in honour of His Majesty.
The King’s Rose has also been planted at two other sites cared for by The King’s Foundation – Dumfries House in East Ayrshire and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire.
The King has previously added to the castle’s gardens. In August 2005, when he was Duke of Rothesay, he and Queen Camilla, then Duchess of Rothesay, planted two sycamore trees at the front of the castle.
The Castle of Mey was purchased by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952 and became one of her favourite Scottish residences. She traditionally spent three weeks there every August, a custom the King has continued since succeeding to the throne.
Today, the estate is managed by The King’s Foundation, which cares for several gardens and heritage sites closely associated with the monarch.
The Castle and Gardens of Mey will reopen to visitors on 12 August following the King’s stay.
