As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II, Radio Taiwan International is looking back at the British monarch’s fleeting encounters with Taiwanese culture. In particular — its flowers. Elizabeth visited the Taiwan Pavilion at London’s annual Chelsea Flower Show on three occasions: in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Taiwanese representatives say she was particularly delighted by Taiwan’s unique species of orchid.
In 2011, the queen even had a rare moth orchid hybrid named in her honor. The orchid, dubbed Doritaenopsis Elizabeth II, was presented to the queen by Taiwan’s representative to the UK.
Taiwanese officials say the special plant helped contribute to the promotion of friendly ties between Taiwan and the UK. Taiwanese orchids, they say, serve as a valuable tool for the country's cultural diplomacy.