queen prince philip

The Queen's secret message to beloved Prince Philip in funeral wreath revealed

The Duke was laid to rest at St George's Chapel

Online Digital News Director
April 17, 2021

As she prepared to say her final goodbye to her beloved husband of 73 years, the Queen took it upon herself to personally select the flowers that adorned his coffin.

The funeral wreath was chosen by Her Majesty and included white lilies, small white roses, white freesia, white wax flower, white sweet peas and jasmine.

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READ: Prince Philip's royal standard decoded – what his official flag represents

A great deal of thought went into the Queen's poignant selection, with each holding a special significance in tribute to her husband Prince Philip and their enduring marriage.

The Queen arrives for Prince Philip's funeral

White lilies are often seen at weddings and funerals since they represent rebirth, while the white rose is a sign of respect or remembrance. Notably, it is also the flower of June, Philip's birth month.

READ: The Queen to leave Buckingham Palace permanently following Prince Philip's death

The Queen's bouquet was placed on her husband's coffin

Jasmine, meanwhile, is symbolic of purity, and sweet peas represent a departure or thank you. The white wax flowers symbolises a lasting love or a love that endures time and trials.

MORE: Why the Queen was advised not to marry Prince Philip

The wreath was placed on Prince Philip's coffin, alongside his personal standard, his Naval cap and sword.

The monarch personally selected the flowers for Prince Philip's wreath

Ahead of the intimate funeral service, the Queen and Philip's four children all took part in the solemn procession, alongside Princes William and Harry, Peter Phillips, Vice-Admiral Sir Time Laurence, and the Earl of Snowden.

The service itself was conducted at St George's Chapel by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Dean of Windsor David Conner.

MORE: Princess Anne's close bond with her father, Prince Philip

Ahead of the funeral, the Queen chose to share a never-before-seen image of herself and the Duke of Edinburgh, taken in 2003.

The Queen shared this candid snapshot in the wake of her husband's death

The candid picture was taken by the pair's daughter-in-law, the Countess of Wessex, at the top of the Coyles of Muick, a 30-minute drive from the Queen's Scottish residence Balmoral.

In the picture, the pair are both beaming at the camera, with the Queen wearing a royal green shirt and matching cardigan and a tartan skirt. Philip can be seen lounging back with his bucket hat propped on his knee.

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