Kate’s Bouquet and the Language of Flowers

PHOTOGRAPH BY: MATT DUNHAM / ASSOCIATED PRESS

The wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton today was like a fairy tale. I thought everything was perfect (even the rogue horse was somehow delightful–horse and rider are uninjured). When Kate made her entrance, one thing that did not escape notice was her delicate and lovely bridal bouquet. Containing Myrtle, Lily-of-the-Valley, Hyacinth, and Sweet William, her choice of flora echoed tradition and the language of flowers.

Myrtle, an evergreen shrub, has sweetly scented leaves and clusters of white blossoms. Kate’s myrtle was a sprig from the very shrub Queen Victoria had planted in her garden from her own bouquet when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, it has been a tradition for royal brides to carry a sprig of Victoria’s myrtle, including Queen Elizabeth II and later Princess Diana. In the language of flowers, myrtle symbolizes fidelity and everlasting love.

Lily-of-the-Valley, that heaven-scented woodland flower, is not only a perfect choice for a spring wedding but also symbolizes “a return to happiness.”

Hyacinth is another one of those gorgeous spring flowers that perfume the air with their sweetness. White hyacinth in particular (it’s important to note that the different colors of hyacinth have different meanings) speaks of loveliness, and Kate was exceptionally lovely today.

And last, Sweet William, a reliable perennial with fringed petals and clove-like fragrance speaks of “gallantry” in the language of flowers, and of course needs no explanation as to why it was included in Kate’s bouquet.

{EDIT: The British Monarchy YouTube channel has complete coverage of the wedding HERE.}