The Princess Royal laughed after discovering a hidden corgi tribute during the official opening of a garden dedicated to her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in Regent's Park. The garden was unveiled on what would have been the Queen's 100th birthday.
Blacksmiths Ian Kebby and Ian Thackray, who crafted the garden's metalwork, discreetly incorporated a corgi into a skylight design. The feature, originally intended for cast iron wildflowers, served as a subtle nod to the late monarch's beloved dogs. Upon noticing the hidden detail, Anne 'chuckled loudly,' adding that 'the late Queen loved gardens because of her pets.'
Anne wore an orange knee-length coat with a gold brooch, a red scarf patterned with flora, and black leather boots, gloves and a handbag as she toured the gardens with Dr Linda Yueh, chairwoman of the Royal Parks. She also spoke with Josephine Jackson, the first female gardener employed by the Royal Parks in 1956, and remarked that the late monarch loved gardens 'because the dogs needed to go out.'
During her speech unveiling the commemorative plaque, Anne reflected on the importance of gardens, noting how Queen Elizabeth II's perspective on them evolved during the war. The two-acre site, built on a former horticultural nursery, will officially welcome visitors from April 27. It features wildflower meadows, native hedgerows and trees symbolising the strength of the monarchy, as well as a meandering path reflecting key aspects of the late Queen's life.
The craftsmen later presented Anne with a cast iron Princess Anne rose, prompting her to ask: 'Is this for me?' The garden, designed by HTA Design with head gardener Fiona Packe, was created with biodiversity in mind and includes a viewing platform repurposed from a water tower.
