Princess Kate's 'Catherine's Rose' Planted at Prison Mother-Baby Unit
The Princess of Wales has given a special rose to a prison's mother and baby unit, where it was planted in the garden to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her visit. The 'Catherine's Rose' was placed in its new home on Wednesday by a mother and child who met the princess at HMP Styal, a women's prison in Cheshire, last February, along with staff from the charity Action for Children.
Charity Visit and Rose Donation
Kate visited HMP Styal in Cheshire in February 2025 in her role as patron of Action for Children. During her tour of the mother and baby unit, she discussed the prospect of donating a rose, which was then in development, as a gift for the outdoor space. The floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses, will produce coral-pink blooms and was planted by the unit's pond.
Action for Children, which runs the mother and baby service at the prison, said the princess had been instrumental in the idea. The rose, named after Kate by the Royal Horticultural Society in May 2025, was donated as part of her fundraising initiative for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Fundraising and Wider Impact
Five hundred Catherine's Rose plants were distributed to green spaces and wellbeing gardens across the UK, including several of Kate's patronages, by the cancer charity. Funds from the sale of the flower also support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Kate was treated at the Royal Marsden for cancer in 2024 but is now in remission, adding personal significance to the donation.
Value of the Garden Space
Amanda Taylor, operational director of children's services at Action for Children, expressed delight at planting the rose. She highlighted the importance of the prison pond and gardens, stating they provide children with space to enjoy nature and explore the outdoors. Taylor added that this new addition will be treasured by both the families supported and staff, thanking the Princess of Wales for her kind donation.
The planting event marks a lasting tribute to Kate's visit, emphasizing the role of nature in wellbeing and rehabilitation within prison settings.
