While jewels, crowns and outfits may be the focus of Coronation day, flowers and plants hold a special place in King Charles and Queen Camilla’s hearts, too.
So, naturally, a lot of thought has gone into the ones picked for the momentous occasion.
The arrangements for today have been designed by Shane Connolly and Co and all reflect Charles and Camilla’s deep love for the natural world, as well as their passion for gardening.
They’ve also all been arranged using sustainable techniques, without the use of single use plastics or floral foam.
We’ve rounded up some of the key shrubs that make an appearance today and reveal the special meaning behind them all.
Wildflowers
At the Great West Door you’ll spot a pair of beautiful tall yew topiaries, underplanted with a meadow of wild grasses and cowslips, primroses and violets.
Wildflowers also make an appearance on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, which sits in Westminster Abbey, as well as fresh spring flowers, which symbolise remembrance. Bluebells and forget-me-nots also frame the grave to show the constancy of love, while daffodils highlight chivalry.
What is the Grave of the Unknown Warrior?
Buried within Westminster Abbey is the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, this grave contains the body of an unknown British soldier from the First World War. The body was brought from France to be buried in the Abbey on 11th November 1920, and this year marks the centenary of the interment
From the Isle of Skye to the coast of Cornwall, and from the mountains of Snowdonia to Tobermore in Northern Ireland, more than 120 varieties of flowers have been grown by over 80 members of Flowers from the Farm on farmland, allotments and cutting gardens across the four nations of the United Kingdom.
Wildflowers have been a key theme on official invitations, too.
Coronation of King Charles III latest
The historic Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place in Westminster Abbey today (May 6).
For all the latest royal updates, visit Metro.co.uk’s dedicated coronation page.
The experts at Bloom & Wild say: ‘There has been a big trend to rewild areas of public and private gardens to restore healthy ecosystems by creating wild, biodiverse spaces to reverse species extinction.
‘Charles and Camila’s own Highgrove House has a dedicated wildflower meadow and the coronation invitation features many British wildflowers including bluebells, cornflowers, wild strawberries and dog roses.’
Rosemary
Rosemary can be spotted around Westminster Abbey including on The Grave of the Unknown Warrior as well as at The Quire.
The experts at Bloom & Wild say: ‘Rosemary is featured in the intricate illustrations on the invitation and has been used at the recent funerals of the late Queen and Prince Philip, as a symbol of affectionate remembrance.
‘The gardens at Highgrove also have an abundance of rosemary. Rosemary is also in bloom with little blue flowers adorning the aromatic shrub.’
So it’s clear rosemary has a number of special meanings for today.
Lily of the Valley
This particular flower holds sentimental meaning to the royal family.
The team at Bloom and Wild add: ‘At Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1927, her bouquet was made up of white flowers – orchids and lilies-of-the-valley from England, stephanotis from Scotland, orchids from Wales, and carnations from Northern Ireland.
‘It is well-reported that the favourite flower of the late Queen, known affectionately by her family as “Lilibet”, was Lily of the Valley, which symbolises good luck and happiness.’
You’ll also be able to spot this particular flower today on The Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Win VIP tickets to Frozen, luxury Afternoon Tea and tour of Theatre Royal Drury Lane in our Coronation competition
To celebrate the historic occasion of King Charles’ crowning, Metro has teamed up with The Lane to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a luxurious day out for four.
The day out will include:
- A sumptuous, Regency-themed Afternoon Tea
- Fascinating tour of the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane
- VIP tickets to Disney’s Frozen – with star treatment before the show from a dedicated Red Coat Butler.
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MORE : Kate Middleton looks elegant in white Jenny Packham midi dress for Prime Minister’s lunch
MORE : Coronations, weddings and funerals: why Westminster Abbey holds a special place in the royal family’s heart
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