Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral: King Charles picked coffin flowers with a back story

As Queen Elizabeth II’s body made its way to Westminster Abbey for her state funeral, keen observers would have spotted the the Imperial State Crown, the sceptre and the orb, as well as a special bouquet of flowers on top of the coffin.

In the past, state funerals for the Queen haven’t necessarily carried a special bouquet, but this one, according to a report from the Huffington post, comes courtesy of King Charles III. In fact, it is just one of the many personal touches that the royal family arranged for the late Queen as they mark the end to her 70-year reign. 

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The bouquet was arranged specifically on the orders of King Charles III. He requested that it contain flowers and plants from the gardens of the official royal residence, Buckingham Palace, as well as from his country homes prior to becoming king; Clarence House and Highgrove House, the report from the Huffington Post said, citing Buckingham Palace.  

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In addition, each of the flowers present in the wreath were chosen for the specific meaning that they represent. “Rosemary for remembrance; Myrtle, the ancient symbol of a happy marriage, and cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig of myrtle in Her Late Majesty’s wedding bouquet in 1947; And England oak, which symbolises the strength of love,” the Palace said in a statement. 

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In addition, scented pelargoniums, garden roses, autumnal hydrangea, sedum, dahlias, and scabious were also picked out. All the flowers were different shades of pink, gold, white and deep burgundy in an effort to represent the official Royal Standard. 

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The floral arrangement included King Charles III’s passion for the environment, as it was built in a “sustainable way” according to the Huffington Post. It did not include the use of any floral foam. 

The funeral service for the Queen began at 11am at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19, 2022