MAY 10, 2010

Victoria, BC -- HRH Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol, the youngest daughter of Thailand’s King, and her entourage made a private visit to The Butchart Gardens today for a tour of the gardens.

A sun umbrella shades HRH Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol while carrying her camera, as general manager Dave Cowen talks about flowers.

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by The Gardens’ general manager Dave Cowen upon her arrival. Cowen, along with director of horticulture Rick Los and David Clarke, a Gardens’ historian, then accompanied Her Royal Highness and her entourage on a walk about the gardens. Her Royal Highness' tour was filmed by Thai journalists for broadcast in Thailand.
The connection of The Gardens to Thailand, formerly known as Siam, extends back to September, 1931 when the King and Queen made a visit to The Gardens for a tour and luncheon. Along with the Royal party, the luncheon at “Benvenuto” was attended by, amongst others, then Lieutenant-Governor Fordham Johnson, Premier Tolmie, and Mayor Anscomb.

At the invitation of the King and Queen, the Butcharts made a trip to Bangkok in early 1932 where they stayed for twelve days. They were entertained by the King and Queen, and toured about by members of the royal staff. Their Majesties surprised the Butcharts at a palace luncheon when they pointed out the beautiful table linen and remarked they had purchased it on their visit to Victoria.

In July, 1986 the brother of HRH Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn toured the gardens as part of a visit to British Columbia.

After the royal party’s stroll, Her Royal Highness made a number of purchases in the Seed & Gift store before returning directly to Vancouver.

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Ed Note: 4 x 6 photo at 300 dpi available by clicking here.

The Butchart Gardens Media Contact:
Graham Bell
Public Relations
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250-544-4479