Princess Anne Discovers Secret Corgi Tribute at Queen Elizabeth II Garden Opening
The Princess Royal chuckled loudly upon spotting a secret corgi tribute cleverly incorporated into the design of a new garden dedicated to her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The two-acre memorial garden in Regent's Park was formally unveiled by Anne on what would have been the late monarch's 100th birthday, with the site set to officially welcome visitors from April 27.
Hidden Homage to Beloved Pets
Blacksmiths Ian Kebby and Ian Thackray, who crafted the garden's intricate metalwork, had discreetly embedded a corgi silhouette into a skylight design originally intended for cast iron wildflowers. This subtle nod to the late Queen's cherished dogs delighted Anne, who remarked that "the late Queen loved gardens because of her pets." The craftsmen later presented her with a cast iron Princess Anne rose, prompting her to ask with surprise, "Is this for me?"
Royal Reflections and Garden Design
During her speech to unveil a commemorative plaque, Anne highlighted the historical significance of gardens, noting how they evolved dramatically during wartime. "This is a lovely evolution of that whole voyage of garden design," she stated. Dressed in an orange knee-length coat with a gold brooch, a red floral-patterned scarf, and black leather accessories, Anne toured the gardens with Dr Linda Yueh, chairwoman of the Royal Parks. She also conversed with Josephine Jackson, the first female gardener employed by the Royal Parks in 1956, reiterating that the late monarch adored gardens "because the dogs needed to go out."
Biodiversity and Symbolic Features
The Queen Elizabeth II Garden, built on a former horticultural nursery, was designed by HTA Design with biodiversity as a core principle. It features wildflower meadows, native hedgerows, and trees symbolising the monarchy's strength. A meandering path reflects key aspects of the late Queen's life, including lily of the valley—her favourite flower from her coronation bouquet—and a specially selected magnolia that blooms in April around her birthday. The viewing platform, repurposed from an old water tower and housing the skylight, overlooks the garden.
Legacy and Access Details
The project, led by the Royal Parks, transformed previously inaccessible brownfield land into a public space commemorating the late Queen's life and service. While dogs are allowed elsewhere in Regent's Park, only assistance dogs are permitted within this garden. Queen Elizabeth II, who became patron of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1952, regularly attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show throughout her 70-year reign, underscoring her lifelong passion for horticulture.
