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English rose (epithet)


English rose is a description, associated with English culture, that may be applied to a naturally attractive woman or girl of traditionally fair complexion 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.

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.

See also: and 1900–09 in fashion.

'Last of the English Roses' is a song by singer/songwriter Pete Doherty from his album Grace/Wastelands.

At the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, Elton John performed a version of his 1974 hit Candle in the Wind which began with the adapted lyrics, Goodbye England's rose....


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