Skip to main content

Our Heritage

The Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society (RWRHS), founded by Queen Victoria in 1892, is one of the oldest horticultural societies still active today and boasts a rich history of royal patronage, community involvement and a commitment to celebrating horticultural excellence while inspiring future generations in gardening.

Royal Foundations

The RWRHS, founded by Queen Victoria in 1892, remains one of the oldest active horticultural societies. The inaugural show took place on July 8, 1892, at the Royal Albert Institute, followed by an event at Bedborough Meadow and a joint event with the Windsor & National Rose Society Exhibition in 1894. Queen Victoria took a personal interest, sending roses from Frogmore’s Royal Gardens and donating a silver cup for the best amateur exhibit. In 1895, she granted permission for the show to be held on the slopes below the North Terrace and State Apartments – a privilege continued by succeeding sovereigns, allowing rare public access to these royal grounds during the event.

Challenge Cups & Global Challenges

Over the years, the Society adapted to global challenges, such as World Wars I and II, temporarily suspending the show during these tumultuous periods. After each war, the Society made a successful comeback with support from subsequent patrons including King Edward VII and King George V. The initiation of various Flower Show Challenge Cups, including the perpetual Challenge Cup for the best group of roses, underscored the Society’s commitment to horticultural excellence. In 1952, shortly after her accession, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II consented to become Patron, coinciding with the Society’s Diamond Jubilee. The Coronation Year Show in 1953 reflected the nation’s pride in its young Sovereign and remains one of the most picturesque and memorable in the Society’s history.

Jubilant Golden Jubilee

As the Society approached its Golden Jubilee in 2002, it celebrated its achievements and growing membership by introducing new awards to encourage gardening expertise and innovation. The Society’s focus on promoting community involvement in gardening and nature was further enhanced by introducing cups and challenges for junior exhibitors.

Today’s Society, Tomorrow’s Legacy

The Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society and the Royal Windor Rose Flower Show continue to thrive, promoting not only a love for gardening and nature but also culinary arts and traditional crafts. The Society actively engages with local schools and community projects through its charitable efforts, raising funds to ensure that a passion for horticulture and the great outdoors remains a cherished part of the Windsor community.

History Timeline of the Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society

Royal Foundations 1892-1953

1892
  • The RWRHS was founded by Queen Victoria, originally named the Windsor, Eton & District Horticultural Society
  • The inaugural show was held at the Royal Albert Institute on 8 July with guest of honour, Princess Helena of Schleswig-Holstein, the Queen’s daughter in attendance
1893
  • The second Flower Show took place at Bedborough Meadow just off the Long Walk, Windsor Castle
1894
  • The third Flower Show was held at Bedborough Meadow, combined with the Windsor & National Rose Society Exhibition on 27 June, roses becoming a central feature of the competitions
  • Queen Victoria herself sent roses from Royal Gardens of Frogmore House and gifted a silver cup for the best amateur exhibit. The first prize roses were sent to Windsor Castle to adorn the Queen’s dining table
  • The show coincided with the visit of the Tsesarevich of Russia (later Emperor Nicholas II) and Princess Alix of Hesse, along with Princess Henry of Battenberg (the Queen’s daughter) and the Princess of Leingen (the Queen’s half sibling)

Challenge Cups

1895
  • Queen Victoria permitted the show to be held on the slopes below the North Terrace and State Apartments. This gesture, confirmed by succeeding Sovereigns, was highly valued, as these Royal grounds were open to the public only during the show
1897
  • Queen Victoria presents a Challenge Cup to the Society, marking a unique Royal favour. The Cup was awarded to any competitor who won an exhibit of roses, twice in succession
1899
  • Queen Victoria visits the Show and presents a second Challenge Cup, awarded to a competitor who wins it three times in succession. This Cup was won outright in 1905
1901
  • King Edward VII began his patronage of the Society and presented another Challenge Cup, which was won outright in 1912.
1913
  • King George V presented a perpetual Challenge Cup which is still awarded annually for the best group of roses

Enduring Traditions

1917
  • The show was abandoned due to the First World War.
1920
  • The show was revived; the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) presented a perpetual Challenge Cup for sweet peas
  • King George V and Queen Mary sent flowers, fruits and vegetables to be sold to raise funds for King Edward VII Hospital
1939-1949
  • World War 2 interrupted the Show
  • King Edward VIII (now Duke of Windsor) and King George VI both honoured the Society with their patronage during this period
1950
  • The show was held again after a 10 year hiatus
1951
  • The Show was planned on a grand scale to celebrate the Festival of Britain, replicating the pre-war spectacle
1952
  • Queen Elizabeth II became patron shortly after her accession, coinciding with the Society’s Diamond Jubilee
1953
  • Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Year show reflected the national pride at this time and was one of the most memorable events in the Society’s history

Past events