Charlie Mackesy elephant sculpture unveiled at Royal Windsor Flower Show with royal visit

Thames Hospice was delighted to once again be part of the Royal Windsor Flower Show this year, with the much-loved annual event playing a special role in the forthcoming Trunks across the Thames public art trail by sponsoring internationally acclaimed artist and author Charlie Mackesy’s elephant sculpture.

During a memorable weekend at the Royal Windsor Flower Show on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2026, visitors were given an exclusive first look at ‘Amara’, Charlie Mackesy’s beautifully hand-painted elephant sculpture, ahead of the trail officially launching across Windsor and Slough on 13 July for nine weeks.

The Royal Windsor Flower Show has been a valued supporter of Thames Hospice and its work within the community for many years, and this year’s sponsorship of Charlie Mackesy’s sculpture marks a significant and meaningful contribution to Trunks across the Thames. The partnership brings together art, compassion and community in support of Thames Hospice and the thousands of local people and families it cares for every year.

At Friday evening’s Royal Windsor Flower Show preview event, Thames Hospice colleagues were joined by its sponsors of Trunks across the Thames, including headline partners Amazon and Iron Mountain Data Centers, alongside Learning Partner Maidenhead Golf Club and a number of local dignitaries.

During the event, Thames Hospice Chief Executive Dr Rachael de Caux and Chair of Trustees Katharine Horler had the pleasure of meeting Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Rachael and Katharine were honoured to speak with Their Royal Highnesses about the work of the Hospice in supporting local people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families, as well as the exciting plans for Trunks across the Thames. Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses were Royal Windsor Flower Show Director Alex Denman and broadcaster and gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh CBE DL.

Taking place from 13 July to 13 September 2026, Trunks across the Thames is a spectacular free public art trail delivered by Thames Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art. Featuring 30 large elephant sculptures beautifully designed by artists and sponsored by local businesses and organisations, the trail will transform Windsor and Slough this summer while raising vital funds and awareness for Thames Hospice.

Despite the wet weather on Saturday, spirits remained high as visitors to the Royal Windsor Flower Show gathered to admire ‘Amara’ for the first time in the Hospice’s show garden. Charlie Mackesy’s involvement has already generated national excitement, with his artwork and storytelling recognised around the world for themes of kindness, hope and connection, values closely aligned with the work of Thames Hospice.

Also making a special appearance at the Show was elephant sculpture ‘Quiet Majesty’, sponsored by The Royal Warrant Holders Association and beautifully decorated in mosaic style by artist Sarah Horne.

View our Royal Windsor Flower Show photo gallery here:

https://www.thameshospice.org.uk/rwfs2026

Families visiting the Show were also able to enjoy a mini trail featuring some of the smaller elephant sculptures, designed and painted by children from local schools, helping younger visitors engage with the excitement and creativity of the upcoming trail.

The Flower Show provided a wonderful opportunity for Thames Hospice to meet members of the community it has proudly served for nearly 40 years, while raising awareness of both its specialist hospice care services and the forthcoming Trunks across the Thames trail.

Visitors also admired the Hospice’s show garden, designed by Rob Ryall of Creepers Nursery. Following the Show, many of the plants from the garden have this week been replanted in Thames Hospice’s gardens, creating a lasting legacy from the event.

Dr Rachael de Caux, Chief Executive of Thames Hospice, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Royal Windsor Flower Show for their continued support and partnership, and especially honoured that they chose to sponsor Charlie Mackesy’s beautiful elephant sculpture as part of Trunks across the Thames.

“The Flower Show gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase the creativity, compassion and community spirit at the heart of this trail. It was also a particular honour to meet Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and share more about the care Thames Hospice provides every day across our community.

“We cannot wait to see the herd take to the streets of Windsor and Slough this summer and inspire important conversations about hospice care, compassion and community support.”

Thames Hospice would like to thank Alex Denman and the Royal Windsor Flower Show team for their continued support and partnership, as well as everyone who visited the Hospice garden and previewed the sculptures over the weekend.

To find out more about Trunks across the Thames, visit www.trunksacrossthethames.co.uk