Queen set to miss ‘unique event’ for the first time in 16 years

The Queen is reportedly set to miss a very “unique event” for the first time since 2005 as members of the Royal Family prepare to attend the occasion in her stead.  

• The Queen is understood to be missing the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year for the first time in over a decade after the date was moved due to the pandemic. 
• Her Majesty is a proud Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society and has previously revealed her love of visiting this “unique event”. 
• This royal news comes as The Queen sends a private message of congratulations to North Korea. 

The Queen is said to be set to miss one of her favorite annual events, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, after the date was moved due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions. The historic flower show is traditionally held in May and it has long been popular with the Queen and Royal Family. In 2019, Kate Middleton designed her own 'Back to Nature' garden for the show and was pictured alongside Prince William as they brought their three children to enjoy it. 

While the Queen also admired her granddaughter-in-law’s work, it seems this year, the monarch will not be attending the show herself. 

According to The Telegraph, the Queen will be missing the 2021 flower show which will take place from September 21-September 26. Her Majesty is currently at Balmoral Castle in Scotland where she is enjoying time away from the royal spotlight during her annual summer break. 

It’s not yet known when the Queen will be returning to either her London residence, Buckingham Palace, or her Berkshire home, Windsor Castle, after her trip. Though in previous years she has left her Aberdeenshire estate in October. 

This year will mark one of only a few times the monarch has missed the RHS Chelsea Flower Show throughout her reign, with the publication reporting that the most recent time was back in 2005 when she was on a royal visit to Canada. 

Instead, it’s claimed that two of the Queen’s children, Princess Anne and Prince Edward will be attending, along with Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra are also expected to visit. 

Last year the RHS Chelsea Flower Show went ahead, albeit in virtual form, with the Queen issuing a heartfelt statement on the first day. Her Majesty declared, “On the occasion of the Opening of the Virtual Chelsea Flower Show 2020, I send my best wishes to all those associated with the Royal Horticultural Society.

"My family and I have always enjoyed visiting the Show, and I know that your Members and Supporters will be disappointed that they are unable to attend in person this year.

“As Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, I was pleased to hear that you will be providing gardening advice and virtual sessions on your website, from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd May."

Her Majesty's message continued, “I am sure that my grandmother, Queen Mary, who first attended the Chelsea Flower Show in 1916, would be delighted that many people today have an enthusiasm for horticulture, and that gardening remains a popular pastime in the United Kingdom.

“As you adapt to the present circumstances, I hope you find this unique event enjoyable and interesting. ELIZABETH R.”

Whether or not the Queen does indeed miss the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this month, she will no doubt be just as delighted to hear of its return after the challenging past year.