Book Launch | The Amazing Lady P with Sonja Waites and Shane Connolly

Shane Connolly set up his eponymous company after training with some of London’s leading flower designers. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Shane read Psychology at university but a lifelong passion for plants and gardening eventually led to a complete career change.

Subsequently, he has built an enviable reputation as a floral designer with a small, dedicated and talented team of florists, artists and craftspeople working from offices and a large light-filled studio in North Kensington.

Having held a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and The former Prince of Wales for many years, Shane was delighted to be awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment by both HM The King and HM The Queen in 2024. Shane has also been awarded an MBE in 2025 for his contribution to sustainability within the flower industry.

Sonja Waites, sister-in-law to Susan, Lady Pulbrook, was born in Australia and moved to the UK when she married Gerry, Susan’s brother. She helped with Lady Pulbrook’s business on many occasions in its early years, before becoming her partner when Rosamund Gould retired from it to marry in 1974. Sonja stayed with Pulbrook & Gould until the business was sold in 2019. She lives in London.