The Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show was founded in 1804 by Sir Joseph Banks and John Wedgewood. The charity aims to enrich lives through plants and make the UK a greener place.

Known then as the Great Spring Show, the first Chelsea Flower Show took place in 1913 and was attended by Queen Alexandra.

For the first time in its 117 year history the horticultural show is being made into a virtual event, with online content and programming throughout the week.

The Queen 

To mark this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, the Royal Family has shared new images this week of the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, visiting the show in 1949.

Her Majesty became Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1952. The Queen made her first visit to Chelsea as Monarch in 1955, and has attended most years since.

On the first day of the virtual Chelsea Flower Show members of the Royal Family took part in the #MyChelseaGarden campaign, sharing some of their favourite plants and flowers at this time of year.

The Queen has chosen lily of the valley, pictured here in the Buckingham Palace gardens. 

Lily of the valley featured in Her Majesty’s coronation bouquet and has held special associations since. The flower symbolises sweetness and humility.