The act of following customs and traditions is an important aspect of royal life. From the way they dress to the way they behave in public, every move of the royal family is steeped in tradition. Recently, royal biographer, Robert Hardman, shed light on a particular tradition that has been followed by the queen and royal brides for generations. In his book, “Queen of the World”, Hardman wrote about the importance of this act for the queen and royal brides.
According to Hardman, the act in question is the placement of a sprig of myrtle in the bridal bouquet. This small but significant gesture has been a part of royal weddings since the 19th century. It is said to symbolize love, fertility, and innocence. The tradition was started by Queen Victoria, who carried a sprig of myrtle in her bouquet when she married Prince Albert in 1840.
Since then, every royal bride has followed this tradition, including the queen herself. She carried myrtle in her bouquet when she married Prince Philip in 1947. The same sprig of myrtle was also used in the bouquets of her daughters, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, when they got married. In fact, the queen has been known to send a sprig of myrtle from her own garden to be used in the bouquets of royal brides who do not have access to it.
Hardman’s book also reveals that the myrtle used in royal bouquets is cut from a bush that was planted by Queen Victoria in the 1800s. The bush was a gift from Prince Albert’s grandmother and has been passed down to each generation of royal brides. This makes the tradition even more special, as it represents the continuity and connection between past and present royal weddings.
The act of carrying myrtle in the bridal bouquet is not just limited to the queen and her family. It has also been followed by royal brides from other countries, including Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, when she married Prince William in 2011. The duchess carried a sprig of myrtle from the queen’s garden in her bouquet, keeping the tradition alive.
The significance of this act goes beyond just being a tradition. It holds a deeper meaning for the queen and royal brides. As Hardman writes, “For the queen, it is a link to her grandmother and a reminder of her own wedding day. For royal brides, it is a symbol of love and a connection to the royal family.”
The act of carrying myrtle in the bridal bouquet is just one of the many customs and traditions that the royal family follows. These traditions not only add to the grandeur and beauty of royal weddings but also hold a special place in the hearts of the queen and her family. They represent the values and beliefs that have been passed down through generations of royals, making their weddings even more meaningful and special.
The fact that this tradition has stood the test of time and has been followed by so many royal brides is a testament to its importance. It is a tradition that brings together the past, present, and future of the royal family in a beautiful and meaningful way.
In conclusion, the act of carrying myrtle in the bridal bouquet is a cherished tradition for the queen and royal brides. It symbolizes love, continuity, and a connection to the royal family. As Hardman’s book reveals, this tradition has been a part of royal weddings for over 180 years and will continue to be a special and meaningful aspect of future royal weddings.
