The Queen’s funeral flowers had a poignant meaning behind them

The Queen’s state funeral was one of tradition and military precision, but there were a number of touching and personal details in honour of Her late Majesty, too.

Atop her coffin, as well as the glittering crown jewels, was a beautiful floral arrangement which had been chosen carefully by the new King Charles.

Poignantly, the wreath features blooms taken from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House – each with symbolic meanings. According to the palace, the flowers include rosemary, for remembrance, and myrtle – an ancient symbol of a happy marriage – which was cut from a plant grown from a sprig of myrtle that was originally included in the Queen’s wedding bouquet in 1947.

English oak also featured, representing the strength of love, while pelargoniums, garden roses, autumnal hydrangea, sedum, dahlias and scabious were also added in shades of gold, pink, deep burgundy and white, to reflect the Royal Standard.

Amongst the foliage was a handwritten note on King Charles’ personal stationary, which read: “In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.”

Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September, Britain has been observing a period of national mourning. The Queen’s coffin has been lying in state at Westminster Hall, where people have been queuing through the night to be able to pay their respects to the late monarch. 

And on the day of the funeral, thousands more members of the public travelled to London in order to witness Her Majesty’s final journey.

The Queen’s funeral was attended by her close family, extended circle, world leaders and other royal families from around the globe. The service at Westminster Abbey was followed by a military procession, before Her Majesty’s coffin is taken to Windsor Castle for a committal ceremony. Her final resting place will be at St George’s Chapel, alongside her husband Prince Philip, who was laid to rest in the Royal Vault of the chapel after his funeral on 17 April 2021.