The newly re-landscaped Princess Alexandra Gardens at Leeds Castle have been formally opened by patron of the foundation Princess Alexandra, during a day of celebrations for the attraction’s 900th anniversary. The Princess unveiled an official plaque to rename the new garden zones, which are now the second gardens in Kent to boast a royal title.

“We were honoured to welcome back Princess Alexandra to Leeds Castle, our Patron for over 45 years, for a very special day to celebrate the Castle’s 900th anniversary,” says Leeds Castle chief executive Sir David Steel. “The Princess continues to be a wonderful patron and we were thrilled that she spent so much time with us, meeting so many of our staff and visitors, naming our woodland gardens in her name, dedicating a time capsule and attending a celebratory dinner.

“Leeds Castle has witnessed many important occasions over nine centuries but yesterday was particularly special, especially for all the Leeds Castle Team who have worked so hard in preparation for Leeds Castle 900”.

Patron of Leeds Castle since 1974, Princess Alexandra is the Queen’s cousin and a working member of the royal family. She officially opened the Castle’s Maze and the Gatehouse Exhibition in 2016 and is a regular visitor to the castle and takes a close interest in the foundation’s performance.

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