The Queen Marks What Would Have Been Prince Philip's 100th Birthday

The Queen marked what would have been Prince Philip's centennial birthday with the planting of a rose in the Windsor Castle gardens.

windsor, england june 09 no sales queen elizabeth ii receives a duke of edinburgh rose, given to her by keith weed, president of the royal horticultural society, at windsor castle on june 9, 2021 in windsor, england a royalty from the sale of each rose will go to the duke of edinburghs award living legacy fund which will give more young people the opportunity to take part in the duke of edinburgh award photo by steve parsons wpa poolgetty images
(Image credit: STEVE PARSONS)

The Queen commemorated what would have been Prince Philip's centennial birthday with the planting of a rose in the gardens of Windsor Castle. Philip, who died on April 9, would have turned 100 on June 10.

Last week, the Royal Horticultural Society gifted the monarch a newly-bred rose named after the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen subsequently watched as the rose was planted in Windsor Castle's East Terrace Garden. She called the tribute "very kind," Sky News reports. Sales of the rose will benefit The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a young people's awards scheme established by Philip in 1956.

Philip reportedly did not want to celebrate his centennial year. In a 2019 article, the Telegraph's Gyles Brandreth reflected on a 2000 conversation with Philip, in which he said he had "no desire whatsoever" to reach his 100th birthday.

Last December, a palace aide told the Telegraph that Philip wanted "nothing to do" with any events marking his 100th year. "Let’s just say we have a rather reluctant celebrant. You can’t do something if someone doesn’t want something doing," the aide said. The staffer said plans for an event would "have to be raised" the following year, adding, "The one person you can guarantee will not want anything to do with it, is the Duke."

Emily Dixon
Morning Editor

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.