During the special service,
there was a notable similarity between the special tributes surrounding the
coffin of the late monarch to that of her husband’s funeral, Prince Philip,
as members of the family presented beautiful wreaths alongside handwritten
notes.
Whilst it hasn’t been revealed
which of the wreaths that were displayed around belonged to the Duke and
Duchess of Sussex, they would have no doubt chosen a beautiful one made of
special flowers – just like they did for Prince Philip.
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Kate and William left handwritten notes
Meghan was unable to attend
the Duke’s funeral service earlier last year as she was in the later stages of her
pregnancy with Lilibet, but she made sure to pay a very personal tribute
to the Queen’s husband with the notecard on her funeral wreath that
featured the Duchess’ beautiful calligraphy skills.
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Harry and Meghan’s notecard for Prince Philip was penned by the Duchess
Prince Harry and Meghan
specifically asked for the wreath to include acanthus Mollis (bear’s breeches),
the national flower of Greece to represent Prince Philip’s heritage, and
eryngium (sea holly) to represent the Royal Marines. The wreath also featured
campanula to represent gratitude and everlasting love, rosemary to signify
remembrance, lavender for devotion, and roses in honour of June being Philip’s
birth month.
Harry and Meghan commissioned
one of their favourite florists to make and design the wreath – Willow
Crossley, who also did the flower arrangements for the couple’s evening wedding
reception in Frogmore Gardens in 2018, their son Archie’s christening in 2019,
and the launch event for the Hubb Community cookbook at Kensington Palace.
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The couple’s colourful wreath was laid at the service
The colourful wreath certainly
stood out among the others laid, which consisted of several stunning white
arrangements. White is a traditional colour used for flowers at funerals; the
Queen’s own bouquet, which was laid on her husband’s coffin, included white
lilies, small white roses, white freesia, white waxflower, white sweet peas and
jasmine.
A great deal of thought went
into the Queen’s poignant selection, with each holding a special significance
in tribute to her husband Prince Philip and their 73-year marriage.
White lilies are often seen at
weddings and funerals since they represent rebirth, while the white rose is a
sign of respect or remembrance. Jasmine, meanwhile, is symbolic of purity, and
sweet peas represent a departure or thank you. The white waxflowers symbolise a
lasting love or a love that endures time and trials.
The Prince and Princess
of Wales’ special final message to the Queen could be seen adorned with
their personal monograms on both of the wreaths and were made up of some
of Her Majesty’s favourite flowers, and they were nestled close to where the
Imperial Crown lay before it was removed from the coffin.
