
Updated 5/19/2018: As we'd reported before, florist Philippa Craddock created the bouquet held by Meghan Markle and her bridesmaids for the royal wedding. But we didn't know all the little details until now. Most notably? Kensington Palace reports (opens in new tab) that some of the flowers were handpicked by Prince Harry from the Kensington Palace garden. Have you ever??
The bouquet contains sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine and astrantia in shades of green and white. But you'll also see Forget-Me-Nots, which were Harry's mom, Diana, Princess of Wales’ favorite bloom. That floral tribute was on purpose. There are also sprigs of myrtle, sourced from stems planted at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845. (Whoa.) Queen Elizabeth also carried a bouquet with sprigs of myrtle from that very same plant.
The sweet little clutch is held together with a raw silk ribbon.
According to Kensington Palace, "The tradition of carrying myrtle begun after Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle by Prince Albert’s grandmother during a visit to Gotha in Germany. In the same year, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House as a family retreat, and a sprig from the posy was planted against the terrace walls, where it continues to thrive today. The myrtle was first carried by Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married in 1858."
On Easter Sunday, Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (opens in new tab) have selected the florist who will be preparing their wedding flowers. Philippa Craddock, who is based in London, often prepares flowers and floral arrangements for weddings, will be working on a selection of arrangements for Markle and Prince Harry.
RELATED STORY
This week, we got a sneak peek of the flowers that are (likely) Harry and Meghan's. A truck of several pink and white flowers were spotted outside of Craddock's London store. You can see the pictures here (opens in new tab).
In last month's official announcement, Kensington Palace wrote, "Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen floral designer @philippacraddock to create the church flowers for their wedding."
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
And that's not all. The palace also revealed:
"The displays in St George's Chapel will feature foliage from The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park, and will use seasonal plants including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves. The designs will reflect the wild and natural landscapes from which many of the plants will be drawn.
The Royal Parks will also supply pollinator-friendly plants from their wildflower meadows. These plants provide a great habitat for bees and help to sustain healthy and biodiverse ecosystems."
In much the same way that Markle and Prince Harry's wedding cake (opens in new tab) will feature "seasonal and organic ingredients," their wedding flowers will also seek to combine seasonal, and natural, elements.
Craddock also shared the news on her Instagram account, giving everyone an insight into what working with the couple had been like.
A post shared by PHILIPPA CRADDOCK (@philippacraddock) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Craddock wrote, "I am loving working with them, it is an incredible privilege, and the designs will be a true reflection of them as a couple, with sustainability at the forefront. We will be using plenty of locally sourced greenery and seasonal flowers including peonies, garden roses and foxglove."
RELATED STORY
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn