Hillsborough Castle Gardens is carrying flowers left to the Queen

Hillsborough Castle Gardens announced today that they are no longer accepting flowers Queen.

Following the sad death of Her Majesty the Queen on September 8, the gardens of Hillsborough Castle have become a hive of activity.

Northern Ireland’s only royal residence, Royal Hillsborough, was quickly filled with well-wishers hoping to pay their respects with dignified cards, heartfelt pictures hand-painted by children, carefully hand-picked flowers from people’s gardens and expensive bouquets.

However, Hillsborough Castle Gardens have announced that from today (Tuesday, September 20) they will no longer accept or display flowers in front of the castle.

A Facebook post read: “This morning a team of staff removed flowers left at the front of the castle. Thank you to everyone who visited the castle and left flowers, we can no longer accept or display flowers in front of the castle.

“Flowers will be placed throughout the estate. Eventually they will be mixed into compost and used by gardeners as mulch, helping us to continue to look after our gardens, which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has visited on many occasions.’

The message went on to say: “All cards will be held at the Northern Ireland office. There will also be bags and other similar gifts. The partners will work closely together in the coming weeks to decide what to do with them.”

More than 50,000 visitors are estimated to have flocked to the castle over the past 10 days to pay their respects to the late Queen. Speaking to UTV Live this afternoon, the team of gardeners at Hillsborough Castle said they were “working hard” to reuse the .

“Those that remain recently are being moved to different areas on the grounds,” said Claire Woods, garden manager at Hillsborough Castle.

“So we now have a lovely flowery lakeside walk. It was supposed to be just around the trees, but there are too many, so they are along the avenue and around the two trees that were planted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh back in 1991.’

Queen Elizabeth’s funeral took place yesterday, September 19, in a dignified and emotional ceremony that saw thousands of people line the streets of London, including Her Majesty’s beloved pet corgis, Muick and Sandy, as well as Emma the horse, who lined up to pay for last respect.

The Queen was known for her love of small dogs. Muick and Sandy were a gift from Prince Andrew and his daughters in 2021. Now the prince will take care of his mother’s corgis. During her lifetime, Her Majesty owned more than 30 corgis, many of which were of the same blood.

The much-loved, devoted monarch, who served on the throne for a remarkable 70 years, was laid to rest alongside her beloved late husband, Prince Philip, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The Ulster Star has contacted Hillsborough Castle for comment.