As the Queen’s coffin travelled from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey it was accompanied, not just by a procession of her nearest and dearest, but also by the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Sceptre and Sovereign’s Orb, and a gorgeous wreath of flowers.
But these flowers were not just pretty to look at, each one held a special significance for the late monarch.
WATCH BELOW: Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral
The Queen adored her garden and had a passion for English flora. She was a regular at the Chelsea Flower show and supporter of the Royal Horticultural Society, the UK leading gardening charity.
So it’s no surprise that the flowers at her own funeral would be hand picked to represent different parts of her life.
King Charles himself had a hand in selecting many of the blossoms in The Queen’s wreath and all of them came from royal gardens including Clarence House in London (where Prince William and Princess Kate reside) and Highgrove House in Gloucestershire (where the King lives with Camilla, Queen Consort).
Charles also requested the wreath be entirely sustainable so the flowers are affixed to a nest of English moss and oak branches, rather than the commonly used plastic backing.
Each flower had a special meaning but perhaps none more special than myrtle, the ancient symbol of a happy marriage. The myrtle used in the arrangement was from a plant grown from a sprig of myrtle in the Queen’s wedding bouquet.
Other flowers in the wreath include:
Rosemary – the symbol of remembrance.
English Oak – the English symbol of strength.
Pelargoniums – the symbol of friendship, happiness and positive emotions.
Garden roses – the symbol of love (of course) but also beauty and courage.
Autumnal hydrangeas – symbolise grace and gratitude.
Sedum – for peace and perseverance.
Dahlias – for commitment and kindness.
And scabious – for pure love.
The only flower missing was the Queen’s favourite flower, Lily of the Valley.
WATCH BELOW: King Charles III arrives at Queen Elizabeth II funeral
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