While we didn’t see the Duchess of Sussex for Saturday’s funeral for her grandfather-in-law, Prince Philip, her presence was felt nonetheless. The Duchess, according to multiple sources, watched the service on television – just like the rest of us – and sent, along with husband Harry, a wreath laid for the Duke of Edinburgh and a handwritten note.
Below shows the wreaths laying on either side of the coffin in St. George’s Chapel during the funeral services.
The wreath was designed by Willow Crossley, who worked with the Sussexes on the floral arrangements for their 2018 wedding reception, Archie’s 2019 christening, and the launch event for the Hubb Community cookbook.
Another view of the wreaths.
Meghan and Harry specifically requested that the wreath include Ancathus Mollis (Bear’s breeches), which is the national flower of Greece – where Philip was born in 1921. Thoughtful details also included Eryngium (Sea Holly), which represented the Royal Marines, in which Philip served; Campanula, to represent gratitude and everlasting love; rosemary, to represent remembrance; lavender, to represent devotion; and roses, to represent June, Philip’s birth month. The flowers were all locally sourced from Windsor and the note was handwritten by Meghan, in her famous script.
Clockwise showing some of the flowers used in the wreath: Ancathus Mollis (Bear’s breeches) and Eryngium (Sea Holly) and Campanula.
Below, Harry and Prince Philip at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, England
The Duchess wished to attend the funeral alongside husband Harry, but was not cleared to fly from California to the U.K. by her doctor because she is in advanced stages of pregnancy with her second child, a girl, due to be born this summer. Harry attended the funeral, while Meghan stayed in Montecito with their son Archie, who turns two on May 6.
Earlier in the week, Prince Harry penned a statement which was posted on the Archewell website. He concluded his statement with “Per Mare, Per Terram” which is the motto of the Royal Marines and Latin for “By Sea, By Land”.
We leave you with this tweet from the Royal Family in memory of Prince Philip.
Loved Harry’s moving tribute to his grandfather on the Archewell website. And we know Meghan is all about acts of compassion and big into symbolism and meaning. Thank you for sharing the meaning of the flowers in the wreath. I am sure it was tough for Harry to return to the UK, not only to mourn his grandfather, but also to see his family given everything that’s happened. But the Duke had a lovely send-off and he would have been happy to know his grandson was there.
She really seems to be a very thoughtful person. I can see how Harry would be attracted to that, not to mention she’s gorgeous. I’m glad she was able to extend a thoughtful gesture for HM the Queen.
I love the symbolism in the flowers chosen. What a touching tribute!
Beautiful ?
What a thoughtfull idea to have symbolic flowers! They just put thought and love into everything they do.