King Charles began his annual summer break in Scotland by planting a rose named in his honour at the Castle of Mey in Caithness, the former residence of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The monarch spent the first week of August at the castle, a tradition that coincides with the Queen Mother’s birthday on August 4. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 101.

The rose, known as The King’s Rose, was developed by David Austin Roses in partnership with The King’s Foundation. It is a repeat-flowering shrub featuring magenta-pink and white petals surrounding a bright yellow centre. The rose is available for purchase at £35, with £2.50 from each sale donated to The King’s Foundation. Besides the Castle of Mey, the rose has also been planted at another site associated with the foundation, Dumfries House in Ayrshire.

During the planting ceremony, King Charles was seen dressed in traditional Scottish attire, wearing a tartan kilt and sporran. The rose was added to the two-acre Walled Garden at the castle, an area originally restored by the Queen Mother. The garden is shielded from strong coastal winds by a 15-foot-high stone wall and features colourful rose beds, a shell garden, and a kitchen garden that provides vegetables and cut flowers for the castle.

Chris Parkinson, head gardener at the Castle and Gardens of Mey, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the garden's appeal. He said the focus is to create new focal points by introducing different styles and interesting features that encourage visitors to explore the garden repeatedly. The King’s visit reinforces the connection between the royal family and the Scottish estate, maintaining traditions associated with the Queen Mother's legacy.