While Queen Elizabeth II will forever be known as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, she will also be remembered for her great love of nature. In 1952, following the death of her father, the late monarch became the Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society Society, continuing her duties and attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show annually in May. She has also previously revealed that although she is not an expert in gardening, “plants, trees and flowers have been a source of pleasure” throughout her life. It makes sense then, that Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral flowers at Westminster feature plenty of foliage, in tribute to her love of flora. Included in the bouquet is myrtle which was used in the Queen’s 1953 wedding bouquet, per royal tradition.
The funeral wreath included a number of flowers important to the late Queen Elizabeth, including myrtle, which was used in her 1953 wedding bouquet, and sweet peas, a particular favourite that were also the flower of her birth month, April. Other flowers include Dahlias (lasting bonds and lifetime commitments), phlox (a wish for sweet dreams), white heather (protection and good luck), pine fir, English oak and weeping birch.
“At The King’s request, the wreath contains foliage of Rosemary, English Oak and Myrtle (cut from a plant grown from Myrtle in The Queen’s wedding bouquet) and flowers, in shades of gold, pink and deep burgundy, with touches of white, cut from the gardens of Royal Residences,” a tweet from The Royal Family read.
Also by request of King Charles, the bouquet has been made completely sustainable and will be buried with her at Windsor.
At Prince Philip’s funeral 18 months ago, the Queen personally selected the flowers which adorned her late husband’s coffin. The funeral wreath included white lilies, small white roses, white freesia, white wax flower, white sweet peas and jasmine.
Following his death, the Queen made Windsor Castle her main residence so that she could be near him. Now, they will be laid within the 1000-year-old quire of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, in their eternal resting places.
Since the announcement of Her Majesty’s death, a dedicated memorial flower garden has been set up in Green Park, London. There, mourners have been assisting Royal Parks gardeners in taking the plastic wrapping off the flowers, to aide the compost process and keep the blooms looking fresh.
And, Her Late Majesty’s love of flowers will live on forever, with a new variety of rose launched by David Austin Roses to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The pale-pink-apricot rose, Elizabeth (Ausmajesty), has been named in honour of the late Monarch and is said to be strong and sweet, with hints of lemon sherbet and Old Rose.
The bloom was first bred by rose grower Dr. Walter Lammerts in the United States in 1954, and much like her late Majesty, is loved by many around the world.
