Even the flowers during Queen Elizabeth II’s burial were filled with love and history.
The wreath at the top of the Queen’s coffin at Monday’s state burial comprised leaves of rosemary, English oak, and myrtle – cut directly from a plant cultivated from the myrtle in the Queen’s wedding bouquet to Prince Philip in 1947.
The wreath also featured flowers from Royal Residence gardens in gold, pink, and deep burgundy, with hints of white.
Rosemary is considered to represent recall, while English Oak represents power.
A personal, handwritten message from Her Majesty’s eldest son, King Charles, lies atop the wreath, reading: “In loving and devoted memory. Charles R.”
In Charles’ inscription, the “R” stands for “Rex,” the Latin word for “King.”
Charles looked to be blinking back tears at Monday’s historic state funeral. He was accompanied by the Queen Consort, Camilla, and his children, Prince William (with Kate Middleton, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte) and Prince Harry (with Meghan Markle).
“Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world,” the monarch said in a statement on the eve of her funeral. “In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, The late Queen.”
“As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief,” the King ended.