Flowers, since the beginning of times, have seen everything from the color of their gentle petals to their scent be broken down to represent something far greater. This is why when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined hands in a sacred union that cost around $83 million, flowers were a treasure mine. The soon-to-be Duchess’ incorporation of flowers into her wedding dress to represent the countries of the Commonwealth as a testament to her sense of duty will be enshrined in history’s pages, highlighted in bold red ink. But the bride and groom used these clusters of petals and scents to represent something deeper than their professional goals.

Much like how arrows were raised as King Charles rode a literal golden carriage to commemorate his kingship, the staggering cost of the Sussexes’ grand 2018 wedding was not spared. However, the Sussex couple was smart enough to deflect them with a range of flowers.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding is a masterclass in sustainability

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding venue was just as decorated as their guest list. To celebrate their royal unison, the otherwise mundane St. George Chapel at Windsor Castle was adorned with a tapestry of beautiful flowers. White garden roses, peonies, and foxgloves, all curated with beech, beach, and hornbeam, to be more specific. The elegant decor, however, went above and beyond its call of duty as it brought a smile to the patients at St. Joseph’s Hospice owing to the Sussexes’ donation.

“The flowers are simply stunning and our patients were both surprised and delighted to receive them,” Nigel Harding told the BBC in 2018. Although the couple did not visit the patients, they proved Edward Curran’s quote about flowers speaking without sound to be true as they used their nuptial blooms to convey their ec0-consciousness, something that affects their family planning, as well.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry donated their exquisite flower arches in exchange for smiles. However, there was one enchanting flower arrangement that did not make it to the St. Joseph Hospice.

The Sussexes’ floral tribute to an unknown soldier

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding was brimming with flowers that boasted of meaning and beauty. A special one from the intricately designed tapestry was the white garden roses. Not only did they adorn the walls but also Markle’s wedding bouquet. The white garden roses were among the various elements at the wedding that paid tribute to Princess Diana. It is understandable that they were not found among the truck that took the bouquet of happiness to St. Joseph’s Hospice. But contrary to popular belief, the Sussex couple did not keep it for themselves.

Meghan Markle placed her wedding bouquet at a soldier’s grave in Westminster Abbey, following a league of royal brides who have done the same. There is beauty and pain in the royal tradition that sees a wedding bouquet on a soldier’s grave. It was started by Queen Elizabeth II’s mother to honor her brother, who passed away in the war. For Markle, however, the white garden roses were a thread of remembrance and the regal elegance she planned to bring in until the infamous Megxit changed things for the royals.

Did you know that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry donated their wedding flowers? Let us know in the comments below.