Alexandra Rose Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexandra Rose Day |
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Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria driving to the Mansion House on the first Alexandra Rose Day in 1912
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| Observed by |  United Kingdom |
| Significance | Anniversary of the arrival of Queen Alexandra from Denmark to the United Kingdom |
| Observances | Sale of artificial silk roses to raise money for hospitals |
| Date | A variable date in June Original date: 26 June 1912 |
| Frequency | annual |
Alexandra Rose Day is a special charity event that has been held in the United Kingdom every June since 1912. It was started by Queen Alexandra to raise money for people in need. The event is run by a charity called Alexandra Rose Charities.
The first Rose Day was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queen Alexandra's arrival in the UK from her home country of Denmark. Instead of a big party, she wanted to do something to help others. Her idea was to sell artificial roses in London to raise money for her favorite charities.
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The Story of the First Rose Day
When Princess Alexandra of Denmark arrived in the United Kingdom in 1863, it was a huge event. She was coming to marry the Prince of Wales, who would later become King Edward VII.
Because of new train lines, many people could travel to see her. Photography was also new, so pictures of the princess were sold in shops before she even arrived. The city of London was decorated with lights, and she received a very warm and exciting welcome.
A Queen's Bright Idea
Fifty years later, in 1912, people wanted to celebrate the anniversary of her arrival. A parade through London was suggested, but Queen Alexandra had a different idea. She wanted to use the day to help sick and needy people.
She came up with a plan to raise money for London's hospitals. The idea was to sell artificial wild roses. These roses were made by young women and girls with disabilities at a special training home. The event was named "Alexandra Rose Day."
How the Day Became a Tradition
The very first Alexandra Rose Day was a great success. It raised £32,000, which was a lot of money back then. This was a huge help to the hospitals, and the event became a yearly tradition. By 1920, the event had raised a total of £775,000 for London's hospitals.
The tradition continued even after Queen Alexandra's death in 1925. It was a way for people to remember her and continue her work of helping others.
Alexandra Rose Day Today
Today, the charity focuses on helping families in London who struggle to afford healthy food. It gives out vouchers that families can use to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
Each year, the Prime Minister helps kick off the event by being the first person to buy a rose.
The current president of the charity is Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy. She is Queen Alexandra's great-granddaughter and continues the family tradition of supporting this important cause.
