King Charles planted a rose named in his honor at the historic Gardens of Mey as he began his annual summer break in Scotland. The 77-year-old monarch, wearing a traditional kilt, visited the estate in Caithness, which was the former home of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
The King's Rose, cultivated by David Austin Roses in partnership with The King's Foundation, was added to the Castle's Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden. This rose has also been planted at other King's Foundation sites, including Dumfries House in Ayrshire and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. A portion of the proceeds from each rose sale supports The King's Foundation's work in building sustainable communities.
The Castle of Mey was purchased by the Queen Mother in 1952 for £100 following the death of her husband, King George VI. The 30-acre estate is now managed by The King's Foundation.
Charles typically spends the first week of August at the Castle and Gardens of Mey, coinciding with his grandmother's birthday on August 4. Following this period, he usually travels to the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire for the remainder of his time away from public duties.
The King has visited the Castle and Gardens of Mey since childhood. In August 2005, he and Camilla, then Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, planted two sycamore trees at the castle. The property was opened to the public in 1996 and is accessible from May to September, Wednesday through Sunday. However, it closes for the royal family's annual summer visit in late July and early August.
Last week, King Charles also attended the Mey Highland Games, where he was seen wearing a kilt and holding a glass of whisky. He has held the title of Chieftain at the games since 2002, succeeding his grandmother. During the event, he observed traditional sports such as tug o’ war, the tossing of the caber, and performances by Highland dancers and pipe bands.
The Mey Highland Games, traditionally held on the first Saturday of August at the John O’Groats showground, originated in 1970 to celebrate the Queen Mother's 70th birthday. The Castle of Mey served as the Queen Mother's retreat from London, a place she described as feeling "so beautifully far away." It was reported that she once requested a no-fly zone over the estate to avoid being disturbed by aircraft during her naps. Correspondence from August 1993 indicates that special protection measures were implemented to minimize low-flying aircraft noise when she was in residence.