Did you know that Queen Victoria popularized floriography or the art of expressing yourself through the language of flowers? As custodians of tradition and guardians of heritage, it's not surprising to hear about the current members of the British Royal Family keeping it alive through their love for flowers. In this article, we list all the favorite flowers of the royals and their special flower meanings.
Queen Anne's Lace: Queen Elizabeth II
The late Queen's favorite flower was the elegant yet hardy lily of the valley. These small, white, bell-shaped flowers hold a special place in her heart, as they were present in Her Majesty's coronation bouquet in 1953, making them a cherished symbol of her reign. The lily of the valley symbolizes purity and trustworthiness, which are fitting qualities for a monarch. They are grown and on permanent display on the Buckingham Palace grounds.
Delphiniums: King Charles III
The King is known for his passion for gardening, and his favorite flower reflects that. Tall and stately delphiniums, with their vibrant blue or purple blooms, grace the grounds of Highgrove House, his private residence. In a tweet by the official account of The Royal Family, King Charles III said, "For me, the magnificent, gloriously apparelled delphinium, with its impeccable bearing and massed in platoons, holds pride of place in my botanical affections." Their resemblance to "Edwardian watercolors" is also notable.
Hellebores: Princess Anne, Princess Royale
Also known as the Christmas rose, Princess Anne is said to have a fondness for hellebores. These winter bloomers come in various shades and have a long flowering period, lasting up to two months. Princess Anne has spoken of her appreciation for their resilience and the endless variations in their markings. In flower meanings, hellebores stand for serenity and peace.
Lady's Mantle: Queen Camilla
The former Duchess of Cornwall, who apparently has a green thumb like her husband, is fond of the alchemilla mollis or lady's mantle, a charming and unassuming plant with soft green, cup-shaped flowers. While not as showy as some blooms, its delicate, scalloped leaves and resilience make it a "must-have" for the newly crowned Queen. In flower meanings, the lady's mantle represents comforting love.
Hyacinth: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess adores hyacinths because of their fragrance and cheerful spring colors. She even included her favorite bloom in her wedding bouquet as it represents steady love.
Azaleas: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex
Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, share a love for azaleas. In flower meanings, azaleas represent love and gentleness, making them a lovely gift for a loved one. Their colors also hold special meanings, with red blooms signifying passionate love and purple ones conveying royalty.
Daisy: Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
In contrast to others' colorful choices, Prince Richard leans towards a more understated beauty— the daisy. Daisies symbolize innocence and purity, qualities often associated with royalty. In Victorian times, they were also linked to faithfulness and keeping secrets.
Sweet Pea: Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester
The Duchess brings a touch of sweetness with her favorite flower, the sweet pea. In flower meanings, these fragrant climbers represent everlasting pleasure and delicate joy.
Roses: Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy
The late Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra has a passion for roses, and her favorite is the golden celebration rose. This repeat-blooming rose has a rich golden hue, which she has mentioned gives her pleasure to look at, apart from enjoying its unique scent.
Forget-Me-Not: Diana Spencer, Former Princess of Wales
The list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the late Princess Diana. Her favorite flower was the forget-me-not, a small bloom with delicate blue petals. This sweet choice is particularly touching as the flower's name itself holds a sentimental meaning. Her sons, Prince William and Harry, honored her love for this flower by incorporating it into the White Garden at Kensington Palace, redesigned to create a peaceful space in her memory. Forget-me-nots were also incorporated into Meghan Markle's wedding bouquet in honor of her memory.
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