Colorful wreath on Queen Elizabeth’s coffin included sweet tribute to her 1947 wedding bouquet

Newsner

Photo by Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The past week and a half has been filled with countless subtle and not so subtle tributes to Queen Elizabeth II.

On Monday, during her televised state funeral, there was a nod to the late monarch’s love she had for her husband Prince Philip who died in April 2021.

Included in the colorful wreath of flowers that sat on top of her coffin was myrtle, the symbol of happy marriage, which was cut from a plant that was grown from a piece of her 1947 wedding bouquet.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: The coffin is placed near the altar during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Gareth Fuller – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Typically royal funeral wreaths are somber, and generally either white or green. But they can also reflect the colors of a flag.

While a white wreath was placed on top of the late monarch’s coffin when it left Balmoral Castle, a colorful arrangement, which reflected the colors of the Royal Standard, was used during the state funeral.

READ MORE:

The floral arrangement was a gift from King Charles III, and at his request contained flowers cut from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: King Charles III places the Queen’s Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on the coffin during the Committal Service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on September 19, 2022 in Windsor, England. The committal service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, took place following the state funeral at Westminster Abbey. A private burial in The King George VI Memorial Chapel followed. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“This includes foliage chosen for its symbolism: Rosemary for remembrance; Myrtle, the ancient symbol of a happy marriage, and cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig of myrtle in Her Late Majesty’s wedding bouquet in 1947; And English oak, which symbolises the strength of love,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The Queen and Prince Philip were married for nearly 74 years before his death.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 15: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving held in honour of the Queen’s 80th birthday, June 15, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

In addition to honoring the late monarch’s longtime relationship, the colorful flowers paid tribute to the royal family.

“Also included are: Scented pelargoniums; garden roses; autumnal hydrangea; sedum; dahlias; and scabious, all in shades of gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, to reflect the Royal Standard, on which it sits.”

On top of the flowers laid a handwritten note from Charles.

“In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.”

While the official 10 days of mourning may be over, those who loved the Queen will not stop mourning. They will continue, and no doubt will we continue to see tributes to her as the days, weeks, and months go by.

Exit mobile version