On April 29, 2011, the world watched as Catherine Middleton married Prince William in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Beyond the majestic setting and stunning attire, one subtle detail stood out: Catherine's wedding bouquet. Designed by Shane Connolly, this bouquet was more than a mere accessory; it was a carefully curated collection of blooms imbued with deep symbolic meanings.
Catherine’s bouquet featured a selection of flowers chosen for their rich symbolism. The arrangement included lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, hyacinth, and myrtle, each carrying a specific significance. Lily-of-the-valley symbolized the return of happiness, representing the joy and new beginnings of marriage. Sweet William, a touching nod to Prince William, signified gallantry. The hyacinth stood for the constancy of love, while ivy and myrtle, traditional symbols of love and marriage, completed the ensemble.
The use of myrtle in royal wedding bouquets is a tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria. In 1845, Queen Victoria planted a myrtle shrub at Osborne House, which was a gift from Prince Albert’s grandmother during a visit to Germany. The myrtle was first included in the bouquet of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married in 1858.
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