The royal wedding bouquets of recent brides, including Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, have carried on a longstanding tradition by incorporating flowers or plants previously used by other members of the royal family. This practice pays tribute to the rich history and symbolism associated with the monarchy.

One notable example is the inclusion of myrtle, a tradition that can be traced back to Queen Victoria’s wedding in the 19th century. Prince Albert’s grandmother presented Victoria with a sprig of myrtle, which the couple then planted at their Isle of Wight residence, Osborne House. This myrtle continues to thrive, and its sprigs have been incorporated into subsequent royal wedding bouquets, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress and bouquet also upheld significant traditions. Her dress, designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, featured embroidery inspired by Botticelli’s Primavera painting, showcasing floral themes. Additionally, her bouquet included a sprig of myrtle, continuing the tradition established by Queen Victoria.

By incorporating elements from previous royal weddings, recent brides like Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have paid homage to the monarchy’s rich heritage while creating their own unique and meaningful bouquets. This practice not only honors tradition but also symbolizes the continuity and enduring legacy of the royal family.

The Royal Collection Trust website elucidates the intricate details surrounding the Queen’s wedding flowers, a tradition steeped in historical significance and sentimental value. The bride’s bouquet, a gracious offering from the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, was a resplendent arrangement of white Cattleya, Odontoglossum, and Cypripedium orchids, complemented by the inclusion of myrtle from a bush propagated from a sprig of the bouquet of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, the Princess Royal.

This cherished tradition of incorporating myrtle has been upheld by subsequent royal brides, including the Queen, Princess Diana, Kate, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice also paid homage to this custom by carrying myrtle in their wedding bouquets in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The selection of other blooms in a royal wedding bouquet is often a deeply personal choice, guided by the language of flowers and sentimental reasons. Kate, Princess of Wales, for instance, included ‘Sweet William’ in her bouquet as a tribute to her husband-to-be.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, carried a bouquet of Forget-Me-Nots, handpicked by Prince Harry from their private garden, as they were the late Princess Diana’s favorite flower. Meghan’s bouquet also featured myrtle from a bush propagated from the sprig in the Queen’s wedding bouquet. Princess Eugenie’s bouquet included lily of the valley, the late Queen’s favorite flower, and ivy, perhaps as a nod to her home with husband Jack Brooksbank, Ivy Cottage. Princess Beatrice opted for a blushing pink bouquet, comprising trailing jasmine, sweetpeas, and blooming roses.

The tradition of royal brides leaving their wedding bouquets at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey after their ceremonies is a longstanding and esteemed practice. In adherence to this custom, Princess Eugenie’s floral arrangement incorporated an evergreen shrub from the private retreat of Queen Victoria, imbuing it with a profound historical significance. Furthermore, the bouquet is said to have included myrtle sprigs from the terraced walls of Osborne House, the residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, adding a poignant touch of royal heritage to the floral composition.