Kate Middleton's Rose Donation Supports Prison Unit and Cancer Charity
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has made a heartfelt donation to a prison's mother and baby unit, gifting a special rose to raise funds for a cancer charity. The flower, known as 'Catherine's Rose', was planted at HMP Styal in Cheshire by a mother and her child who had the privilege of meeting the Princess of Wales during her visit in February of last year.
Charity Partnership and Royal Involvement
Action for Children, a charity where Kate serves as a patron and which operates the prison's mother and baby service, revealed that the princess discussed the idea of donating the rose as a gift for the outdoor space during her tour of the unit. This initiative is part of Kate's broader fundraising efforts for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, an organization close to her heart as she received treatment there for cancer in 2024 and is now in remission.
The floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses and known for producing beautiful coral-pink blooms, was planted by the unit's pond. It was officially named after Kate by the Royal Horticultural Society in May of last year, adding a personal touch to this charitable gesture.
Widespread Impact of the Rose Donation
As part of this fundraising drive, five hundred Catherine's Rose plants have been distributed to green spaces and wellbeing gardens across the United Kingdom. Several of Kate's patronages have received these plants, and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity also benefits from funds generated through the sale of the flower.
Amanda Taylor, operational director of children's services at Action for Children, expressed her delight: 'We were thrilled to plant "Catherine's Rose" at HMP Styal, one year on from the princess's visit. The prison pond and gardens hold immense value for the mothers and babies here, offering children a space to connect with nature and explore the outdoors. This new addition will be cherished by both the families we support and our staff. I extend my gratitude to the Princess of Wales for her generous donation.'
Recap of Kate's Visit to HMP Styal
During her visit in February 2025, the Princess of Wales engaged with four inmates who are mothers, touring their personal accommodation and the nursery. She also met with staff and two former inmates to discuss their experiences. The women spoke with confidence and conviction about their time as mothers of young babies in prison, highlighting the exceptional treatment they received and their determination to create better lives for their children.
One inmate, who spent 14 months at HMP Styal, shared: 'It was a safe space. The parenting courses were run by the charity [Action for Children] and not by the prison regime. Having that opportunity to step outside of the regime, even for a few hours, was crucial. You could simply be a mum and share ideas on how to be a better parent. I wish I could have done more.'
Kate inquired about the potential impact of such support in the community, asking: 'Do you think if you had access to this kind of support it would have helped you before you reached crisis point on your journey as parents? Would you like to see this more in the community?' A woman who was at the prison for 11 months and arrived when she was 30 weeks pregnant responded: 'It's challenging because the crime was unrelated to decisions I made in parenthood, but yes, having things like parenting courses in the community is imperative.'
This donation underscores Kate Middleton's ongoing commitment to both charitable causes and supporting vulnerable families, blending her royal duties with personal advocacy in a meaningful way.
