RHS announces Catherine's Rose to honour Kate Middleton and her brave cancer journey

It's a great cause
Rebecca Carter
By Rebecca Carter

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced a new Rose, called Catherine’s Rose, today in honour of the Princess of Wales.

The Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media pages shared the news on Friday, sharing photos of the stunning pink rose.

They explained that the proceeds from this rose will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This will help patients across the country live well with, and beyond, cancer.

Kate herself was diagnosed with cancer last year. She’s now in remission following her treatment.

The Royal Horticultural Society announces Catherine’s Rose

Alongside pictures of the rose, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media pages said: “Spending time in nature has always been a source of comfort and strength.

“Gardens and green spaces provide not only beauty and joy, but also vital support for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

“Today the Royal Horticultural Society are announcing a new Rose, ‘Catherine’s Rose’, grown by Harkness Roses.

“The proceeds from this rose will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping patients across the country live well with, and beyond, cancer.”

Royal fans gushed over the rose as one person said: “Beautiful rose and a great cause.”

Another commented: “What a truly beautiful initiative!”

A third added: “Just ordered mine. Can’t wait, beautiful just like HRH.”

Princess Kate smiling in white polka dot dress at VE Day service
A rose has been named after the Princess of Wales (Credit: Cover Images)

Why is it called Catherine’s Rose?

The RHS said it has called the flower “Catherine’s Rose” to raise awareness of the “important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing”.

Kate has always been a strong advocate for this cause, often expressing her love for the outdoors and nature.

Spending time in nature has always been a source of comfort and strength.

The RHS said the proceeds from the rose will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to help The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country.

The Princess of Wales underwent her cancer treatment at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Princess Kate smiling during Scotland visit
Kate underwent cancer treatment in 2024 (Credit: Cover Images)

Rose named after Princess of Wales following her cancer journey

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said in a statement: “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.”

Read more: Kate Middleton’s look of ‘love’ and PDA towards Prince William at VE Day concert

Kate announced her cancer diagnosis last March. She then took a break from royal duties to undergo treatment.

In September 2024, she announced she had completed her treatment. Then, in January 2025, Kate announced she was in remission.

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