An oak fit for a King planted to mark Coronation

An oak tree has been planted in Croxley Green to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

The young oak was planted on The Green in a tradition dating back to 1897, when a tree was planted to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. More recently, in 2022, an oak was planted to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

The project to mark King Charles III’s Coronation with a new oak planting was a partnership between Croxley Green Parish Council, Three Rivers District Council and Hertfordshire County Council.  Later a plaque will be installed by the tree to commemorate the event.

Schoolchildren from Yorke Mead Primary School, Malvern Way Infant & Nursery School, Rickmansworth School and Croxley Danes School helped plant the tree along with representatives from the local community and the three councils involved.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, the Lead Member for Leisure at Three Rivers District Council, said: “It is an honour to have been involved in the planting of the oak tree, continuing a tradition which dates back to the nineteenth century. This new tree has taken its place alongside all the others, just as King Charles III has taken his place in the long history of this nation. In generations to come I hope this noble oak will stand tall as a reminder of the day when our new King was crowned. I thank all those local people who supported this project, the parish and county council as well as local school children who were there to help plant the tree.”

Cllr Nigel Cole, Chair of Croxley Green Parish Council, said: "It is fitting to choose an oak tree to mark the coronation of King Charles III as both the monarchy and oak trees are famously strong and steadfast, resisting the ravages of time. It is especially significant," he continued, "that the council, working in partnership with its district and county councils, had chosen to plant the tree on The Green as that is a truly significant part of what makes Croxley Green special. While the Carolean era may not be as long as the Elizabethan period that preceded it, we are sure that the new King will serve his country with the same devotion."