Taking his last breath on Thursday afternoon (08/09) UK time, the body of the late Queen Elizabeth II will be buried side by side with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The process itself took place on Monday (19/09) local time.
During her life, the woman who was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor has a variety of unique facts that are very interesting to explore. Don’t just choose the things you like, here are some of the favorite flowers of the late Queen Elizabeth II that are full of meaning!
1. Chrysanthemum
Coming from East Asia, especially the Bamboo Curtain Country, the chrysanthemum has several names in Indonesia. Such as chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum, and chrysanthemum. The late Elizabeth II really liked white button chrysanthemums aka button chrysanthemums or white pompoms.
In America, this flower stands for friendship, happiness and prosperity. In Europe, it means sympathy. While in Asia, it means life. In Greek mythology, the chrysanthemum is considered a protector from evil spirits. In general, chrysanthemums symbolize happiness, loyalty, friendship, optimism, trust, and longevity.
2. Freesia
A tuber plant from the Iridaceae family, this fragrant flower is native to South Africa. Just like chrysanthemums, the late Queen of England loved white freesia. His name was inspired by Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese, a German botanist and medical expert.
In general, freesia symbolizes genuine friendship. In Europe and America, this flower is commonly used as decorations and wedding bouquets. This fragrant pure white freesia also means trust, purity, loyalty, and attention. Each color has a different meaning, such as the yellow freesia which symbolizes joy and happiness.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is known as a herb or herbal plant originating from the Mediterranean mainland. It is usually used as a cooking spice that gives it a distinctive aroma. However, did you know that this Lamiaceae plant has beautiful white, pink, purple, or blue flowers?
Elected by Elizabeth II before her death, rosemary adorned the wreath on the queen’s casket from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. This flower symbolizes memories, friendship, love, protection, and good fortune. In ancient Greek mythology, this aromatic plant was associated with Aphrodite, who was known as the goddess of beauty and compassion.
4. Dahlia
Having a variety of petal shapes and strikingly beautiful colors, this herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family is the national flower of Mexico. As usual, Queen Elizabeth II loves white dahlias. This flower always adorns the wreath of the Queen’s coffin.
Blooming for a long time, the dahlia is a symbol of grace, fortitude, change, creativity, kindness, compassion, commitment and nobility. Long ago, the tubers of this plant were used as food raw materials by the Aztecs. Dahlia was discovered by Spanish researcher Francisco Hernandez in 1570 and derives its name from the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.
5. Sweet Pea
The most sentimental flower in Queen Elizabeth II’s death wreath series is the sweet pea. In addition to symbolizing departure and farewell, this flower was chosen and picked by the late Queen of England herself during her husband’s funeral procession in April 2021.
Having vines and flowers of various colors, the Latin name Lathyrus odoratus comes from Sicily, Italy. This strong scented flower has been cultivated as a commercial plant since the 17th century. Apart from being the flower of death, sweet pea also symbolizes kindness and in English is used as a term for loved ones.
6. Phlox
Having a total of 67 species, the flowers of the Polemoniaceae family are blue, violet, pink, bright red, and white. Found mostly in North America, phlox comes from a Greek word meaning fire. Some species do have intense colors.
Not only beautiful, the leaves of this plant are a food source for several insects, rabbits, moles, and deer. Having clustered flowers, phlox thrives in the tundra, forests, and meadows, and is easy to grow in pots. This flower symbolizes harmony and unity. At marriage he represents a united soul and heart.
7. Heather
At first glance it looks similar, many people are still confused about the difference between lavender and heather. Lavender comes from the Lamiaceae family. Meanwhile, heather whose Latin name is Calluna comes from the Ericaceae family. This shrub plant has small flower petals of various colors. Starting from white, pink, purple, red, purple amethyst, to magenta.
The late Queen Elizabeth II chose white heather for her death wreath which the royal staff took from the gardens of Balmoral Castle. Very popular in Scotland, heather has a musky and woody scent. It symbolizes success, admiration and protection.
8. Roses
Who doesn’t like roses? Flowers of the Rosaceae family have various meanings according to their color. Red is the most famous rose color which symbolizes love, compassion and courage. The late Queen of England herself liked the white spray rose, which is a mini-sized rose with white color and a tinge of orange in the middle.
Although the bulb of a spray rose is smaller than a regular rose, it blooms more. As wedding flowers, white roses mean purity, chastity, and loyalty. During Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, a new rose variety was dedicated to her. Pink-apricot in color, it has a mix of classic rose notes and a sweet lemon sorbet.
9. Orchid
Having a variety of beautiful shapes and colors, orchids manage to captivate and amaze anyone. So did Elizabeth II. On her wedding day with Prince Philip on November 20, 1947, she chose three types of orchids that grow in England. Namely cattleya, odontoglossum, and cypripedium which are all white.
In general, orchids symbolize elegance, honor, purity, beauty, fertility, care, charm, and love. Especially for the white color, this flower which belongs to the Orchidaceae family means peace, humility, purity, and security.
10. Lily of the Valley
A timeless adornment of the Buckingham Palace area, the lily of the valley is Queen Elizabeth II’s number one favorite flower. He also added a flower named Latin Convallaria majalis on the day of his wedding and coronation as Queen of England. In addition to forget-me-nots, Lady Diana Spencer and Catherine Middleton also love these little flowers.
Despite their miniature size, the lily of the valley has beautiful bell-shaped petals and a sweet, refreshing scent. Native to the cool northern hemisphere, this flower symbolizes happiness, purity, humility, sincerity, and wisdom.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was known to love gardens or gardens decorated with lots of flowers. Of the many types of her favorite flowers, she always chooses white which is synonymous with purity. Full of meaning and beauty, you can really make the Queen of England’s favorite flower as a reference for a special bouquet for loved ones. So, which flower do you like?