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 |
The Alexandra Rose Day is a special event held every June in the United Kingdom. It's a day for charity, meaning people raise money to help others. This event started in 1912 and is organized by Alexandra Rose Charities.
It began to celebrate 50 years since Queen Alexandra first arrived in the United Kingdom from her home country, Denmark. She wanted this special anniversary to be marked by selling roses in London. The money raised would go to her favorite charities.
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A Royal Welcome to the UK
When Princess Alexandra of Denmark came to the United Kingdom in 1863, it was a huge public event. She was coming to marry the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.
Why Was Her Arrival So Big?
There were a few reasons why so many people were excited:
- More railway lines meant people could travel easily to see her.
- There hadn't been many big royal events recently.
- New photography meant pictures of the Princess were sold in shops before she even arrived.
The City of London spent a lot of money, about £40,000, on decorations and lights. This led to a very warm welcome for the future Queen.
An Idea to Help Others
When the 50th anniversary of her arrival and wedding came around, a parade through London seemed like the obvious way to celebrate. But Queen Alexandra wanted to do something that would help people who were sick or in need.
She came up with a brilliant idea:
- Sell fake wild roses to raise money for London hospitals.
- Young women and girls with disabilities at the John Groom Industrial Training Home would make these roses.
The First Alexandra Rose Day
The day was named "Alexandra Rose Day." The very first event raised a huge amount of money: £32,000! This money was a great help to hospitals. Because it was so successful, the day became an annual event. By 1920, a total of £775,000 had been raised for London hospitals.
Continuing the Tradition
Queen Alexandra's Rose Day kept going even after she passed away in 1925. There are old color photos from 1928 showing women selling paper roses in Seaford, East Sussex. They had posters and decorated collection cans for the "Seventeenth Celebration Alexandra Day."
Today, the charity focuses on helping people with food poverty in London. They provide vouchers for families who need help buying fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures everyone can get healthy food.
Who Launches the Day?
The Prime Minister traditionally kicks off Alexandra Rose Day. They are usually the first person to buy a rose.
Current President
Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy is the current president of Alexandra Rose Day. She is Queen Alexandra's great-granddaughter, continuing the family's connection to this important charity.
