Card of the Day: Alexandra Rose Day

The fifth card in the series of collectible cards produced in 1935 by Wills Cigarettes for the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary concerns itself with honoring the “Queen Mother” (at the time), George’s mum, Queen Alexandra, long-suffering wife of the late Edward VII and collector of fans and Fabergé animals.

The reverse of the card reads:

ALEXANDRA ROSE DAY


“Rose Day” will always commemorate the well-beloved Queen Alexandra, whose death in November, 1925, deeply grieved the nation. This summer festival when rose-sellers in the streets raise money for hospitals and charities first became associated with the Queen Mother in 1912 when she abandoned the semi-retirement in which she remained since King Edward’s death, and paid a round of visits to London rose sellers. This drive became an annual event until her final progress in 1923, and charity has benefited from millions of money [sic]. The last rose day she lived to see was on June 10th, 1925, when Queen Alexandra sent a kindly message from Sandringham.

And, so, coincidentally, since today is June 10th, let’s wish Queen Alexandra—wherever she is—a happy anniversary of her final Rose Day—86 years ago. Today, in honor of Queen Alexandra, would be a perfect day to make a contribution to a favorite charity or, even, pick up a bunch of roses on your way home.