A new rose named in honour of the Princess of Wales has been unveiled by the Royal Horticultural Society, symbolising the connection between nature, healing and wellbeing. The rose, aptly named ‘Catherine’s Rose’, is more than just a beautiful addition to British gardens—it is a tribute to the Princess’s personal journey through cancer and a charitable initiative to support others facing the same battle.
Bred by Harkness Roses and officially launched by the RHS, Catherine’s Rose is a floribunda variety that boasts clusters of delicate coral-pink blooms. These subtly scented flowers, with notes of Turkish delight and mango.
An image taken by Prince Louis of his mother, the Princess of Wales. (Kensington Palace)
Each bloom measures between 8-12cm and can appear in generous clusters of up to 15 per stem, supported by a hardy plant that grows up to 1.2 metres tall and 90 cm wide. Ideal for mixed borders, hedges, rose beds or large containers, the rose is versatile and garden-friendly.
The initiative carries a deeply personal resonance. The Princess of Wales was treated for cancer at The Royal Marsden Hospital in west London in 2024. Following a course of preventative chemotherapy, she announced in September that her treatment had been completed. In January 2025, she made a surprise visit to the hospital to express gratitude to staff and offer reassurance to fellow patients, stating there is “light at the end of the tunnel.”
A close up of Catherine’s Rose. (Kensington Royal)
Sales of Catherine’s Rose will directly benefit The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. For every plant sold, £5 will be donated to help fund a national training programme in rehabilitation techniques for clinical teams, ensuring that cancer patients receive the care and support they need to live well both during and after treatment.
Clare Matterson, Director General of the RHS, highlighted the importance of the initiative stating “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. Accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.”
14/01/2025, London, UK. The Princess of Wales visits the Royal Marsden Hospital in West London. Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
Philip Harkness, Managing Director of Harkness Roses, expressed pride in the collaboration: “It is a privilege for Harkness Roses to work with The Royal Marsden. We’re delighted the RHS is naming this stunning floribunda rose for The Princess of Wales, celebrating wellness and nature.”
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, added, “Every rose sold will help us establish a unique training programme that can make a real difference to patient care. We are honoured to have The Prince and Princess of Wales as our Patrons and are grateful for this initiative.”
‘Catherine’s Rose’ will be available to purchase from 9th May 2025 via Harkness Roses, with delivery of bare-root plants in autumn 2025. The rose will retail at £29.99 for bare-root and £34.99 for potted plants. Bare-root roses are delivered dormant with minimal soil and are typically planted in winter or early spring. A total of 15,000 plants will be released in 2025, with more expected in spring and autumn 2026.
