Her Majesty was a keen supporter of horticulture, as witnessed by her regular attendance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and her patronage of the RHS. In a statement the organisation said, ‘It is with extreme sorrow and deep respect that the Society marks the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the RHS… Her Majesty understood the importance of gardening and there can be no doubt that The Queen and HRH Prince Philip enjoyed the peace and privacy of their gardens at Sandringham, Norfolk, Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, and at Buckingham Palace, but they also enjoyed the gardens as a venue for summer garden parties; it is said that no one knew the gardens of Buckingham Palace better than The Queen.’
The HTA paid tribute to Her Majesty, saying, “She was of course a hugely keen gardener and took special interest in the development of the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Balmoral and Sandringham. Her love of countryside unrivalled. Her attendance at Chelsea every year testament to that wider interest and support of the industry.”
NFU President Minette Batters shared her deepest condolences with the Royal Family. She said, “Words cannot describe the deep sense of sadness that I and the rest of the farming community will feel at the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change in our nation and in our fields.
“The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations.”
Our thoughts are with all the Royal Family at this poignant time.
God save the King.