English rose (epithet)

English rose is a description, associated with English culture, that may be applied to a naturally beautiful woman or girl who is from or is associated with England.

The description has a cultural reference to the national flower of England, the rose, and to its long tradition within English symbolism.

Use in arts
The term "English rose" is found in Merrie England (1902), a comic opera written by Basil Hood. He describes a garden where "women are the flowers" and in which "the sweetest blossom" or "fairest queen" is "the perfect English rose". The words are performed by a tenor in the role of Sir Walter Raleigh (1554–1618), in the presence of a May Queen, but regarding his secret love (purely within the opera), a member of the household of Elizabeth I.

A song by the rock band the Jam taken from their album All Mod Cons (1978) is titled "English Rose". At the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, Elton John performed a new version of his 1974 hit, "Candle in the Wind", which began with the adapted lyrics, "Goodbye England's rose...".

"Last of the English Roses" is a 2008 song by singer/songwriter Pete Doherty from his album Grace/Wastelands. English Rose is the name of the 2019 debut album by singer/songwriter Connie Constance; its first song (a cover of a song by the Jam) is also titled "English Rose".

Notable "English roses"



 * Julie Andrews (born 1935), actress, singer and author
 * Ella Balinska (born 1996), actress
 * Kate Beckinsale (born 1973), actress
 * Helena Bonham Carter (born 1966), actress; label applies to her early roles
 * Emily Blunt (born 1983), actress
 * Catherine, Princess of Wales (born 1982)
 * Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997)
 * Lynne Frederick (1954–1994), actress
 * Lily James (born 1989), actress
 * Keira Knightley (born 1985), actress
 * Gugu Mbatha-Raw (born 1983), actress, (particularly in Belle)
 * Rosamund Pike (born 1979), actress
 * Emma Watson (born 1990), actress
 * Rachel Weisz (born 1970), actress
 * Kate Winslet (born 1975), actress