Princess Anne Discovers Secret Corgi Tribute at Queen Elizabeth II Garden Opening
The Princess Royal expressed delight upon uncovering a secret corgi tribute during the grand opening of a garden dedicated to her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in Regent's Park. Anne officially inaugurated the Queen Elizabeth II Garden on what would have been the monarch's 100th birthday, marking a poignant moment for the royal family.
A Hidden Homage to Beloved Pets
As Anne gazed upward at a skylight on the garden's viewing platform, she chuckled loudly upon noticing a cast iron corgi cleverly integrated into the design. The skylight was originally intended to feature wildflowers, but blacksmiths Ian Kebby and Ian Thackray secretly added the corgi as a nod to Queen Elizabeth II's cherished dogs. Anne remarked that the late Queen adored gardens largely because her pets needed outdoor space, highlighting a personal connection to the tribute.
Following the reveal, Mr. Kebby and Mr. Thackray presented Anne with a cast iron Princess Anne rose, to which she responded with surprise, asking, "Is this for me?" She was dressed in an orange knee-length coat adorned with a gold brooch, a red scarf patterned with flora, and black leather accessories, including boots, gloves, and a handbag, as she toured the new gardens with Dr. Linda Yueh, chairwoman of the Royal Parks.
Historical Reflections and Garden Design
During her speech to unveil a commemorative plaque, Anne emphasized the historical significance of gardens, noting how they evolved during wartime to become spaces for cultivation and later adapted for other uses. She described the Queen Elizabeth II Garden as "a lovely evolution of that whole voyage of garden design," underscoring its role in preserving heritage and natural beauty.
Anne also conversed with Josephine Jackson, the first female gardener employed by the Royal Parks in 1956, reinforcing the garden's connection to royal history and horticultural traditions. While dogs are permitted in other areas of Regent's Park, only assistance dogs are allowed within the Queen Elizabeth II Garden, ensuring a serene environment for visitors.
Features and Legacy of the Garden
The two-acre Queen Elizabeth II Garden, built on a former horticultural nursery, will officially welcome visitors starting April 27. This project, led by the Royal Parks, transformed previously inaccessible brownfield land into a biodiverse haven. The viewing platform, which houses the skylight with the corgi tribute, was repurposed from an old water tower, offering panoramic views of the garden.
Designed with biodiversity in mind, the garden includes:
- Wildflower meadows and native hedgerows
- Trees symbolizing the strength of the monarchy
- A meandering path reflecting key aspects of Queen Elizabeth II's life, such as lily of the valley, her favorite flower from her coronation bouquet
- A specially selected magnolia that blooms in April, around her birthday
The garden was created by HTA Design, with horticulturist Fiona Packe appointed as head gardener. Queen Elizabeth II, who became patron of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1952, regularly attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show throughout her 70-year reign, further cementing the garden's royal and horticultural legacy.
