Myrtles for tradition and astilbes for undying love… the sweet secret meanings behind Meghan Markle’s choice of flowers for her bouquet
ROYAL brides have got a lot of pomp and ceremony to consider as they prepare for their big day.
As Meghan walked down the aisle to meet Prince Harry earlier today, every single detail had been perfectly considered and was steeped in symbolism.
Even the bridal bouquet was in keeping with a very special regal tradition.
Every royal bride's bouquet contains a sprig of myrtle.
The practise was started by Queen Victoria and since she walked down the aisle every royal bride after her has done the same.
The sweet tradition actually takes on another level as the sprig is cut from a bush that was planted using the sprig in Queen Victoria's bouquet.
The white flower blended nicely with the chic white and green bouquets carried by The Queen herself, Kate and Diana and now Meghan made the decision to honour the tradition too.
Meghan's flowers were designed by “floral mastermind” Philippa Craddock who revealed she had been asked to provide the flowers for the prestigious event on March 31.
But it was actually Harry who went out into the private gardens of their home at Kensington Palace and handpicked the posey before handing it to Philippa to design.
He included Forget-Me-Nots as they were his mother Diana's favourite flowers.
Florist Lana Elie, founder of , explained how Meghan's bouquet was also symbolic of undying love.
She said: "The bouquet was white as expected, but more wild than we would have initially thought, judging by Philippa Craddock's general style.
"We also noticed it included Astilbe, which symbolically is supposed to represent patience and undying love.
"The smaller size (in comparison to something like Diana’s) is something we’re seeing a lot of as new brides embrace the beauty in simplicity."
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The wedding is taking place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, which is where Harry was christened when he was three months old.
Charles and Camilla had their televised blessing there in 2005 and it offers the couple a more low key venue than Westminster Abbey, where Kate Middleton and Prince William got married.