Let's talk about a lesser-known royal tradition started by Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana. While Queen Elizabeth sometimes gets criticized for her relationship with Diana, there's something heartwarming they both shared—a wedding bouquet tradition. It's a story that shows the human side of royalty and how they learn from past experiences. So, what exactly is this tradition? Well, it involves having two bouquets at royal weddings. And guess what? Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are believed to have followed this custom. Let me break it down for you.
The Story Behind the Double Bouquet
Back in 1947, when Queen Elizabeth got married, something unexpected happened. Her bouquet went missing! Imagine that—losing something so important on such a monumental day. David Longman, the chief florist at Princess Diana's wedding, explained this story during a segment on the British program Invitation to the Royal Wedding. He said, "If we go back to the Queen's wedding in 1947, when you look at the state photographs of all the bridesmaids and royal guests, there's the queen without a bouquet." To fix the issue, they had to recreate the moment during their honeymoon. Queen Elizabeth and her husband had to change back into their wedding attire, and Longman's father had to provide another bouquet for the official photographs. That's when Queen Elizabeth decided to make sure future royal brides wouldn't face the same problem. And thus, the tradition of having two bouquets was born.
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When it came time for Princess Diana's wedding, Longman ensured everything went smoothly. He recalled, "The first bouquet we made for Diana had to be delivered at 8 o'clock to Buckingham Palace. We had a police escort motorcyclist who took us all through the city to the Palace." Can you imagine the excitement and pressure? After delivering the first bouquet, they returned to the florist shop to create the second one. "Then we came back, and by that time they had finished the second bouquet and back we went again." It's a fascinating story that highlights the meticulous planning behind royal events.
The Beauty of Diana's Bouquet
Princess Diana's bouquet was nothing short of spectacular. It featured a stunning mix of gardenias, lily of the valley, myrtle, ivy, stephanotis, Earl Mountbatten roses, odontoglossum orchid, veronica, fressia, and tradescantia. This breathtaking arrangement perfectly complemented her iconic full-skirted, pouf-sleeved gown. The bouquet was not just a floral accessory but a symbol of love and tradition. It’s no surprise that Diana, often called "The People's Princess," left such a lasting impression with her choice of flowers.
Future Royal Brides and the Bouquet Tradition
Now, fast forward to more recent royal weddings. Even the most eagle-eyed royal watchers might not notice if Meghan Markle used her second bouquet during her wedding day. With all the excitement and activity, it's understandable if the first bouquet got misplaced. But thanks to Queen Elizabeth's forward-thinking decision, future royal brides won't have to worry about losing their bouquets. This tradition ensures that no matter what happens, there's always a backup plan. It's a small yet significant detail that reflects the royal family's attention to detail and care for tradition.
This story was originally published on our sister site Woman’s World.
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