The significance of Queen Elizabeth II's floral wreath and its sweet link to Prince Philip

The floral wreath sits atop Queen Elizabeth II's coffin and has a sweet sentiment behind it

Queen Elizabeth II's floral wreath
(Image credit: Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images)
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Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was carried into St Giles Cathedral today, sitting atop was an elegant floral wreath filled with seasonal blooms. 

  • The Queen's coffin procession through the streets of Edinburgh took place on September, 12.
  • This marked the beginning of the Queen's laying in state in Scotland.
  • To pay your respects, this is how to send condolences to the Royal Family following Queen Elizabeth II's death.

Crowds in Scotland gathered to mourn Queen Elizabeth II as the late monarch's coffin was brought into St Giles Cathedral today. On top of the coffin lay a delicate white flower wreath made up of seasonal flowers and dried heather. 

The wreath itself looked remarkably similar to the white wreath Queen Elizabeth II selected to sit upon her husband, Prince Philip's coffin in 2021.

It was revealed by the Royal Family that the Queen's wreath consisted of, 'Dhalias, Sweet Peas, Phlox, White Heather and Pine Fir from the Balmoral Estate.' It was also reported by the Daily Mail that the wreath also contained, 'white Spray Roses, white Freesias, white button chrysanthemums, dried white heather from Balmoral, spray eryngium, foliage, rosemary, hebe, and pittosporum'.

Similarly, the Duke of Edinburgh's wreath featured all white flowers and was reportedly made up of, 'white lilies, white roses, white freesia, white wax flower, jasmine, and white sweet peas'. 

There is a particular significance to the three flowers that were placed on both the Queen and Prince Philip's coffins. Sweet peas are the birth flower of April - the month of the Queen's real birthday - and are also symbolic of gratitude, kindness, and goodbyes. 

White roses, which appeared on both royal couples' coffins in different forms also have a special meaning. White roses are commonly associated with loyalty, purity, and innocence, and are commonly used at weddings.

Freesias are symbolic of friendship and perseverance and were another flower that featured in both the Queen and Prince Philip's wreaths, a touching nod to their long-lasting marriage.

Prince philip

Prince Philip's funeral at  Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021

(Image credit: WPA Pool / Pool / Getty)

King Charles III was present at today's service and was accompanied by his sister, Princess Anne, and two brothers, Prince Andrew and the Earl of Wessex. King Charles III carried a special gift from Queen Elizabeth II during the coffin procession in Edinburgh in a sweet nod to his late mother.

Tomorrow, Her Majesty The Queen’s Coffin will depart St Giles’s Cathedral for Buckingham Palace in a Royal Air Force aircraft from Edinburgh Airport accompanied by The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Laura Harman
Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.