His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was a committed environmentalist and was passionate about farming. His concerns have led to his specific request that members of the public do not leave floral tributes for him. However, the Rutland Lieutenancy, led by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness, knows that many people will wish to pay tribute to his immense contributions to our lives. We decided to create an historic heritage orchard underplanted with spring bulbs. The Duke of Edinburgh Memorial Orchard has been planted at the Rutland Showground. The apple varieties were carefully researched and are ones that have been grown historically in our region. We collected donations and the Lord-Lieutenant asked young people to help plant the trees and bulbs. The Lieutenancy believes that the orchard will be a fitting and lasting tribute to His Royal Highness. It will reflect His Royal Highness’s interests and Rutland’s rural character and environmental concern.
