The floral display for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding is absolutely beautiful.
As guests arrived at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, which is regarded as one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in England, they were greeted by the most elegant flowers and foliage at the entrance, which has been carefully crafted by floral designer Philippa Craddock.
Teams worked round-the-clock overnight to transform the venue, and it looks truly magical for Harry and Meghan's special day.
An arch of white garden roses greets all those who enter the chapel through the West Door. Additionally, foliage, roses, white peonies and other white blooms adorn the front of the organ loft, which towers above the seats for a mesmerising display.
There are also two large arrangements either side of the High Altar.
The display also features foxgloves with branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, which extends to outside the chapel and the West Door, where Meghan entered the church.
Lana Elie, founder of the online flower marketplace Floom, spoke to House Beautiful UK about the symbolism of the floral display.
Peony
Lana says: 'Late spring into early summer is one of my favourite times of year for the simple reason that beautiful blooming peonies can be found in abundance. The flower itself has become the traditional floral symbol of China, and more universally associated with wealth and honour. They are regarded as omens of good fortune, loyalty, and happy marriages – 12 years of marriage are traditionally honoured as the "Peony" anniversary.'
White Garden Rose
Lana says: 'They've chosen the white rose as a subtle ode to Princess Diana. It was her favourite flower and is featured heavily in The White Garden at Kensington Palace. The particular breed grown there, Desdemona, starts off a peachy pink when it first opens and turns a soft white in it's later days. They also have the most fantastic scent. The white rose is symbolically associated with innocence, wistfulness, virtue, and purity.'
Foxglove
Lana says: 'A quintessential British wildflower, steeped in old English folk lore, associated with fairies and (you've guessed it) glove wearing foxes. The foxglove symbolises confidence and ambition. It's also used therapeutically to increase heart contractions and to regulate fast or irregular heartbeats – a perfect plant for calming the nerves on the big day.'
See more photos of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the floral display in and around the chapel below:
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