The Duchess of Sussex has followed royal tradition and sent her wedding bouquet to be placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

The Duchess of Sussex has sent her wedding bouquet to Westminster Abbey to rest on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior the day after her wedding to Prince Harry on 19 May 2018.

Meghan’s bouquet was designed by florist Philippa Craddock and comprises of sweet pea, forget-me-not (which was said to be Diana Princess of Wales’ favourite flower), lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia and myrtle.

The Myrtle comes from a bush at Osborne House, which was first carried in a bouquet by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married German Emperor Frederik the Third in 1858.

Myrtle signifies the traditional innocence of a bride.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother started this tradition at her wedding to King George VI in memory of her brother Fergus who was killed at the Battle of Loos in 1915 during World War I.

Every royal bride has placed her bouquet on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior ever since.

The Duchess of Cambridge sent her bouquet back to Westminster Abbey to rest of the Grave on the Unknown Warrior in 2011, which rested on a small pillow edged with lace.

The Grave of the Unknown Warrior

The Warrior’s Grave stands as a remarkable tribute to both the fallen during World War I and tho all those who have died serving their country in international military conflict.

The Reverend David Railton, a World War I army padre, suggested in 1920 that an unknown soldier from the battlefield should be brought back to Britain for burial as a representative for all those who died.

The grave remains a focus for pilgrimage and a powerful symbol of the sacrifice, suffering and bravery during times of war.

It is the only grave or memorial in Westminster Abbey that is never walked over.

 

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