A new exhibition has opened at Sandringham, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a stunning series of botanical artworks originally commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society — each uniquely signed by members of the Royal Family over the past two centuries.
Among the highlights is a piece commissioned in 2022 to mark Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Her signature graces a vibrant composition featuring early summer blooms such as foxgloves, wisteria, clematis, and irises — all carefully chosen to reflect the flowers in full splendour during the celebratory bank holiday in early June that year.
A piece of artwork to mark Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee at a new exhibition. (Sandringham/Facebook)
Another celebrated work on display dates back to 2013, featuring the signatures of the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. The piece showcases plants native to the wildflower meadows at Highgrove, highlighting Charles’ enduring passion for nature and conservation.
The collection spans more than 200 years, beginning with a special commission for Queen Charlotte, consort to King George III, in 1816. As the first Royal Patron of the RHS, Queen Charlotte’s support was commemorated through a painting by William Hooker – a tradition that would blossom with over 40 more royal commissions through the centuries.
The new exhibition at Sandringham focuses on botanical artwork. (Sandringham)
Both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were particularly instrumental in expanding the tradition. Their enthusiasm encouraged members of their extended family – and even European monarchs – to join as honorary RHS members and add their signatures to intricate floral artworks. Each piece features plants symbolically linked to the signatory’s heritage, country, or personal horticultural interests.
Visitors will also encounter the signatures of George VI and Queen Elizabeth. George’s patronage, beginning in 1936, is marked by a painting of a delicate bell-flower cultivar. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth’s love of gardening is reflected in a gentle arrangement of magnolia, rose, and lilac branches accompanying her signature.
This extraordinary collection of Royal signatures is being exhibited for the first time in the historic Sandringham ballroom.
Signature of the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. (Gillian Barlow : RHS Lindley Collections)
Now, Charles III continues the royal tradition of horticultural patronage, having become the RHS’s fifteenth Royal Patron in 2024. His Majesty’s personal commitment to green spaces is evident at Sandringham, where he is actively transforming the estate gardens.
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