Sunday 1 April 2018

Harry and Meghan's Wedding Flowers will "Represent Them as a Couple"

The Royal wedding details keep on coming! At midnight, Kensington Palace announced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen floral designer Philippa Craddock to create the church flowers for their wedding.


Philippa is a self-taught florist based in central London, with a studio in Fulham and a flower shop in Selfridges. Starting her business nine years ago, Philippa's client list now includes the V&A, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and British Vogue. Using seasonal flowers and greenery, Philippa works with local growers and fair-trade suppliers. Her diverse team have backgrounds in photography, metalwork, carpentry and fashion; each one shares her passion for flowers and her down-to-earth approach to floristry.


Philippa will direct a team, including florists from St George's Chapel and Buckingham Palace, to create the displays at St George's Chapel and St George's Hall. The floral displays in St George's Chapel will be created using locally sourced foliage, much of which will be taken from the gardens and parkland of the Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park.


Where possible, Philippa will use flowers and plants that are in season and blooming naturally in May. These will include branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves. The designs will reflect the wild and natural landscapes from which many of the plants will be drawn.


For those who followed Meghan's now deleted Instagram account you'll know she loves nothing more than a gorgeous bunch of flowers - particularly peonies.


In 2016, Meghan wrote of a bouquet of the blooms: "I bought these peonies for myself yesterday because they make me so endlessly happy." It is thought Harry frequently sent Meghan floral bouquets whilst they were dating.


Meghan's mother Doria affectionately calls her "flower".


The Royal Parks will also supply some pollinator-friendly plants from their wildflower meadows, which will be incorporated into the floral designs. These plants provide a great habitat for bees and help to nurture and sustain entire ecosystems by promoting a healthy and biodiverse environment.


After the wedding, the couple have arranged for the flowers to be distributed to charitable organisations.


British Vogue wrote: "Phillipa Craddock transforms weddings with her opulent and English countryside florals. She works closely with clients to interpret exactly what they want and is adored by her brides who profess that she makes "the whole process so easy".


An overview of displays created by the florist for a country wedding.


More from the Palace:

"I am excited and honoured to have been chosen by Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle to design and create their wedding flowers," Philippa Craddock said. "Working with them has been an absolute pleasure. The process has been highly collaborative, free-flowing, creative and fun. The final designs will represent them as a couple, which I always aim to achieve in my work, with local sourcing, seasonality and sustainability being at the forefront."

With Philippa at the helm, it is going to be simply beautiful!


A very Happy Easter to you all! :)

145 comments:

  1. So so so beautiful flowers,amazing!!!!!!!

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  2. OMG, these pictures send tingles down my spine. I had a look at her website to see how much a bouquet would cost, because I am always disappointed with flowers I send my mum for Mothers Day, and they cost £125 a bouquet. Shame they are beyond my range but if I won the lottery, I would definitely be getting flowers from Philippa Craddock.

    I am sure her business is already booming, but this news will make it off the scale.

    Every detail of Harry and Meghan's wedding is so wonderful, full of thought and perfect, I don't think my heart will be able to cope on 19th May!

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  3. It should indeed be beautiful! Meghan missed an opportunity to wear an Easter hat today---maybe they stayed behind and kept Prince Philip company. It looks like the whole family was there, so missing just the service would not be a big deal.

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    1. 🌸 Allison. That is an awesome thought. Perhaps they did stay behind to keep Prince Phillip company. I so hope that that is where they were.🌷

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    2. When I read that Charles and Camilla spend Easter in Scotland, I decided that they had gone there to be with them. My fantasy included Doria having flown in. )

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    3. They might have been visiting Meghan's mother or father, or some other friends. I hope that is where they were.

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    4. 🌸 Of course, upon reflection, I think they would have had to be very smart about it. Prince wouldn’t take too kindly to being babysat. Think about it, lol.

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    5. You know Allison, that was the very first thought I had, as well! It just seems like having someone stay with him, would have been a comfort to the rest of the family who did attend with The Queen. I also wondered, do they then return to Windsor Castle for a family luncheon? We hear about traditions etc. for the other Holidays, but I don't recall knowing what the schedule is for Easter, other than attending Church? Does anyone else know?

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    6. Harry has never been to Windsor on Easter as an adult, last year was Williams first time since he was a kid.
      Harry and William normally spent Easter with Charles and Camilla up in Scotland and I’m guessing Harry and Meghan joined them this year.

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    7. I guess they could have just stayed "at the house" and not appeared in public, letting Eugenie and Jack get some attention. And Zara. Maybe MM is with Prince Philip, wearing her jeans with holes. :)

      I would like to know how her doggie is doing.

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    8. I love all your imaginary scenarios, and I hope that they are true. I too hope that Prince Phillip was not alone. And I hope that he is well enough to see his grandson get married. Speaking of the wedding, I have needed some time to reflect on all the thought that has and is going into the planning. It is quite extraordinary. The flowers and the thought that went into that just blew me away! It is amazing how they have managed to find these talented individuals to bake their cake/s, make the flower arrangements, and then the military support, with all of Harry's "special people". There is more to come I am sure. I cannot help to think that I have never seen another wedding mapped out like that, and reported details coming through week by week. It is very interesting. So much goodness in the Royal Family at the moment.

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    9. Eugenie, That is a good thought or they chose to spend it by themselves.

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    10. Royal Watcher, your words & sentiments were so beautiful they gave me goosebumps! :) xo I couldn't agree more, or have said it better! :) There is something really special about this wedding that is making it feel so much more personal & yet inclusive. I remember when the statements first came out that H&M were going to have many personal touches on the day to express themselves. I think the response was pretty much, ok doesn't every bride & groom do that by picking out a cake, flowers, invitations, dress etc.? However this, is just taking it so softly to a level I don't think we've seen or felt or were expecting. It's so lovely to experience it & to know it's all so "just them". It does softly say a lot about who they are & about their priorities. As they say..... "Love is in the details". I feel lots of love being woven into every aspect of this wedding! :) xo

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    11. I think it highly likely that the planning for this wedding started before the announcement of the engagement.

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    12. Maybe they wanted to spend this Easter in private: the first Easter since Meghan got baptised. It is a such a special and sacred time, I hope they were able to worship together and come closer as a couple as they are preparing for their wedding.

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    13. I agree, Becca. It is so personal and detailed, and done softly, so well put. Yes, every bride and groom chooses flowers, cakes etc, but this does seem to be done in such a kind and thoughtful way. I feel like I had to fight for every decision as my MIL got in the way of all choices. It was awful. I went and ordered flowers without telling anyone and the wedding dress fabric and cake I bought and ordered on my lunch break haha it was crazy! I did share with my girlfriends and bridesmaids, but my fiancee at the time was not very romantic and whilst my mum was supportive she never really understood the struggle with the MIL. Sigh. I wonder if Charles and Camilla have much of a say in this wedding? Somehow I do not think that Camilla takes on the role as MIL. And good for her!!!

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    14. Ahhhh RW, you had me at MIL! lol :) Can I let you in on a little secret? My MIL was truly my cross to bear in life! It was really rough for many years. Interestingly enough, after her husband died, she slowly came into her own & has evolved into a very precious person. (she reminds us all of the Queen, in looks & personality). Now she is a beloved Matriarch & I can't imagine who we will be without her, when that day comes! :( That said, those difficult years really left a mark on me & having several sons..... I've learned who I don't want to be as a MIL! So I gained some wisdom as a result of living through those years. We surely don't know how life will unfold. Sometimes the struggles help mold us the most & sometimes in a positive way!:)

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    15. That is so true Becca! We learn in adversity. I too will not be a MIL like that. I hope!!!
      Royal 👑 Watcher. Sorry I can’t seem to log in on my phone.

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  4. I absolutely adore peonies. I think a bouquet with peonies and white lilac would be amazing. I have to admit the flowers this woman does look absolutely beautiful. Really looking forward to seeing them now

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  5. In the US we've recently seen a swing from to very small bridal bouquets (like Catherine and Pippa had) to a trend of much larger bouquets. Some are ridiculously large. -- wider than the bride! As my son commented, "She looks like she's carrying a shrub!" I've thought it looks like the bride forgot her bouquet and grabbed a table centerpiece. :-). And there's also the question of ribbons or no ribbons. Can't wait to see what Meghan has.

    Are we going to have a poll about the wedding party? American vs British bridesmaids numbers...

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    1. I have to laugh, because my bouquet was Huge! I remember asking the floral designer about tossing it? She said "Oh Good God Know!You'll Kill Someone!" lol So she additionally had a smaller bouquet for me to toss! lol:)

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    2. 🌸 lol, lol. That is so funny, Becca. Good you asked first, yeh? 😉

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    3. Haha! :) A shrub...that’s really interesting to hear what the current bridal trends are in the US. I personally liked Kate’s simple bouquet...I think it was in keeping with Kate’s personality. But I do hope Meghan has something a bit bolder with a bit more colour.

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    4. British (royal) weddings seem to have one attendant to the bride, as Pippa was to Kate, and then several adorable children as flower girls and page boys. I imagine those will be members of the Royal family and Harry's friends' children? I thought Meghan chose a British friend as what Americans would designate her Maid of Honor. Her stylist?

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  6. Happy Easter Charlotte! I’m so excited to see the floral displays at H&M’s wedding! 💐😍

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  7. Squeeee! So exciting. I've just had a thorough look around Philippa Craddock's website and she's got some absolutely GORGEOUS wedding designs and commercial floral installations.

    I also love that, once again, the vendor (similar to the cake baker) is in line with the values and interests that we've seen from Meghan and Harry. I love that the florist will use local and in season flowers and foliage. And also that they will donate the flowers to charity after the wedding.

    So, we're really getting down to the wire here. Only 7 more weeks! What other information will they release prior to the wedding? Definitely Meghan's Coat of Arms (assuming she gets one), as Kate's was released about 2 weeks before her wedding. Maybe wedding party members? Harry's uniform choice? I'm trying to remember what we knew prior to W&K's wedding.

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    1. ITK, I couldn't have said it better myself! :)

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    2. The anticipation!!!

      We'll definitely hear about all the details you mentioned, and it wouldn't surprise me if Meghan and Harry throw out even more info in unexpected ways.

      I'd be so happy if they decided to release some candids from the reception, or images of the marquee that will supposedly stand in the grounds of Frogmore House.

      I remember that we had some gossip about Kate and Camilla lunching in London and an eavesdropper gave us some details about what she could overhear. We may hear of luncheons between Meghan and other royals, but perhaps not if they opt to meet in private.

      Crossing my fingers that we'll definitely see some blow-by-blow accounts of the party that night at the reception!

      Okay, set your speculation to stun: who really thinks these reports of MM considering the Spencer Tiara are credible?

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    3. PS. inthekitchen -- I realized we'll get Meghan and Harry's wedding order of service (including music selection) a few days before May 19th!

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  8. this florist is simply an artist
    it's beautiful what she realizes

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  9. 🌸 What a resume’. And what a beautifully diverse team. SO happy that she is including the regular florists from St. George’s Chapel and Buckingham Palace so that they can also be part of the day.

    Next to doggies and the ocean/beach, I love, love, love, flowers “God’s little smiles”. 🌷
    So I am eager to see how much of the florists’ Royal wedding work we will get to see. And, I am glad they let us know that the flowers will be disributed to various charities after the wedding and reception. Nice to know that.
    Will trees be incorporated into the formal design and then replanted at High Grove or somewhere?
    Love that they are using flowers and greenery from the Royal estates. Makes sense. Beautifully.

    I hope that Meghan holds her bridal bouquet at waist height so we can better see her wedding gown. Often brides hold (clutch) their bouquets up in front of the bodice and neckline of the gown and for the whole walk up the aisle you can’t see the details of the wedding gown that no doubt was so very thoughtfully and carefully chosen. Please Meghan let everyone see your gown. :)














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    1. SG, I agree with everything you said! :) It's so wonderful knowing that as they get married at Windsor, that some of the flowers & possible other items will have come from Windsor Great Park! I think it's all going to Knock Our Socks Off!!! :) xo

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    2. Surfer Girl - my very first job was as an assistant to my father - he was a wedding a portrait photographer. The MAIN takeaway I have of his is that the bride (and wedding attendants) needs to hold their bouquets lower than feels natural. I have been a bridesmaid a few times and always hear him in my ear, happy to say I have always managed to comply with his commandments and am always happy with the pictures i’m In as part of the processional.

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    3. 🌸 awh, Shannon. Such sweet, sweet memories,
      and, sage advice. That warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing that. :)

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    4. SG, using the already engaged staff of the BRF makes sense as you do not have to pay for all those man hours by the florists team. You can pay her for her design time and use your own staff for the labor. They may have to pay some extra for their own staffs time but not anything like what you would have to pay a whole other team. Also if they are able to use greens and flowers from the estates and palaces it will also help on costs.

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    5. 🌸 Becca. I think Meghan will have a Royal amount of Royal floral arrangements at all times all over her Royal homes. Can you imagine? :)

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    6. Yep, totally agree SG and Shannon...when I was a bridesmaid, the wedding photographer told us how to properly hold our bouquets. And I’m glad she did because I never would have thought of that!

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    7. Oh SG,Natalie & Shannon, I totally agree. I think her homes will be awash with the most Amazing floral filled vases & arrangements! Swoon! To me there's nothing like little tiny cut glass bud vases (like I collect) filled with the sweetest little mini bouquets or tiny fresh cut flowers tucked into each bathroom or on a bedside table! Sigh.....:)

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    8. 🌸 Basic Wedding 101. :)

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  10. What a wonderful post, full of beautiful flowers. Thank you, Charlotte for keeping us informed on the wedding. Yes, yes, you are right, Charlotte, Ms Markle even has flowers designing her cake. Shaping up to be a beautiful wedding.

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  11. Flowers are my favorite part of a wedding. The dress is great, but I really love the flowers. I can’t wait to see what this will all look like.

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    1. I think wedding flowers are the most important part of the “look” or atmosphere of a wedding. Of course, the dress is too, but flowers are so important, and also my favorite part of wedding decor too!

      I say all this but I myself had NO flowers at my wedding besides in my hair! (We had a very low-key beach wedding.)

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    2. I love flowers but they are very expensive. The BRF does have fantastic gardens at their disposal to go and collect from on almost a daily basis but in my small garden I have to be very selective when bringing flowers and greens inside or else the garden is left with almost nothing:):).

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  12. I want the dog to appear with a bouquet of flowers attached to his collar (nosegay or posy size!). Just a whim of mine.

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    1. 🌸 Marci. What an awesome idea. 😊
      The Queen loves doggies so she just might okay that. Knowing that it is acceptable in the U.S., she might give Meghan the okay. (Of course some Royalty buried in the chapel there might just roll over in their graves.) I just hope Meghan’s older doggie is able to participate like that. 🐾

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    2. Marci, that would totally make my day!

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    3. Marci, I'd be so tickled if that happened! Doggo floral collars ftw!

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  13. Beautiful flowers! Now I want to go out and get some to brighten up my house! As Mary said above, Philippa’s are out of my price range but she certainly does a good job!

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    1. I was at the grocery store and stopped by the flora dept and now I have a bright Spring bouquet in my kitchen and it’s true—they have brightened up my day! Thanks for the inspiration Meghan lol :)

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    2. Natalie, Well Done You!!! :) xo

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    3. All my little wildflowers are in bloom.:) The snowdrops are my favorite until the forget me nots bloom & then the bulbs will start bursting! :) With all this talk of peonies, I absolutely Can't Wait until Mine come into Bloom! :) I have quite the striking variety, from whites, various shades of light/pale pinks all the way up to vibrants pinks, raspberry & hot pinks! I always mean to cut more often & bring more in for bouquets. Then I see how exquisite they are in the garden beds & I just love viewing them from every window. However This Year, with all this inspiration I'm Finally going to do it! Peony Bouquets for Becca Everyday! As long as they are in bloom!! lol :)

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    4. 🌸 :). Sweet. Enjoy, Natalie. 💐

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    5. 🌸 Your garden sounds as bright and cheerful as you, Becca. 😉
      Just curious. Do ants ever try to besiege your peonies? My grandmother had lots of beautiful flowers, blue hydrangeas, grape arbors, etc. but sadly her peonies were sometimes a little “ant challenged”. (I don’t think she ever used chemicals on her plants. Maybe that’s why.)

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    6. Yes SG!!! Absolutely! Evidently they are a part of the process of the bloom opening? (was told that by my MIL & have always wondered if that was just an old tale or if it was true?) Alas, I must admit the ants have been a deterrent to me bringing in the peonies too! Methinks I need to do a bit of research! :) I mean if they truly did need ants to bloom...... then how are all these florists making these beautiful bouquets of peonies that eventually fully bloom???? Hmmmm!

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    7. 🌸 Becca. Good question, lol. We don’t want Meghan or Harry to experience any twitching at the altar. 😉

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  14. This post is positively flowergasmic :)) I’m loving the flower choices and the pics. So beautiful. I admit peonies are not my favorite flower but I’ve gained a new appreciation for them. I really love their choices for sustainability and seasonality and pollinator friendly flowers. How lovely that they’re promoting these ideas.

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  15. Bronwyn-Sydney2 April 2018 at 05:02

    This will be a beautiful wedding and i love peonies. But where we are in Sydney, despite a highish elevation above sea level its not cold enough for them so i make do with lots of ranunculas for spring. Looking forward very much to seeing the wedding posts that Charlotte will be spoiling us with💐🌸🏵💐

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  16. Intrigued By Royals2 April 2018 at 05:02

    These flowers look amazing! I can't wait to see what Megan chooses. I have to admit I was underwhelmed with Kate's tiny bouquet after Diana's huge bouquet. I hope it is bigger than Kate's and smaller than Diana's and has some color in it. It is getting closer to the big day!

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    1. 🌸 IBR. I hope her bouquet is simply beautiful AND that it doesn’t hide her gown. :)

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    2. I loved Princess Sofia's (Sweden) bouquet, the colors were just stunning. Looking back over royal bridal bouquets, I have to say that I'm a bit bored with the all white/green look, bring in a bit of color!! And I do agree, Kate's was underwhelming for the venue but Diana's was a bit too much, here's hoping that Meghan takes the middle road :)

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  17. Visually Philippa's floral designs are exquisite, and a true work of art.We can only but imagine the aroma that all these beautiful floral designs will have when put together. Unfortunately, that will be one of the elements of the day the cameras wont be able to capture.
    I wonder what the colour theme of the wedding will be ?

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    1. Hi Annabel, I've read that she's leaning toward white with some hints of color here and there. I wonder though if she's leaning toward pastel colors or bright and bold. I can't wait to see how flowers will be arranged in the chapel.

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    2. Lauri, if she's leaning toward whites..... then my hunch is she would either go the way of adding in flowers in the light pastel yellow family or go the other direction & go into the light pastel pink family. Looking at Meghan's past floral tastes, I'd guess she'd lean toward the light pastel pink family. I think if she was going to go for bright colors (which would be amazing) I think she'd do it across the board. The bright flower colors I think would be rather jarring as accents for an otherwise mostly white pallet. So that's just my little 2 cents. :)

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    3. I think you're right on the money, Becca! I would love to see a burst of color as well. I always thought I'd go that route for a wedding, but I find myself traveling the well-trod and beautiful simple, white fleurs path. ;)

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    4. Oh Lauren, are you planning a wedding too? :)

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    5. Becca, I am! :) We're using lots of wildflowers and greenery :)

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    6. Oh Lauren, bestill my heart! :) It sounds absolutely beautiful! :) xoxo

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    7. You are too sweet, Becca!! Thank you :) Fingers crossed that the fleurs turn out well!

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  18. Hmm i love the flowers too hmm i hope meghan will work every step of her wedding cant imagine the flowers arragement day in her own wedding something big on her wedding i love thoo see flower arragement on her wedding day

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  19. I love all royal wedding news, but I'm especially excited to hear about THE FLOWERS!!

    Philippa's designs look like they could sit comfortably between editorial and traditional, if that's the aesthetic that Meghan and Harry choose. It's also worth pointing out that Philippa has worked with Alexander McQueen and others within the fashion industry. It's good to know that she has a real creative range.

    Can anyone tell me how hornbeam and beech branches will figure into the floral design?? Will Philippa use whippy-thin branches as greenery? Or will they create some sort of archway? Or will she use heavier weight branches to act as a kind of floating bower? For my own wedding, we're working on some installation-like, tasteful floral structures that are composed of small blooms and lots of lush greenery. Wondering what kinds of tricks Philippa has up her sleeve!

    How wonderful would it be if Meghan and Kate released some sort of wedding flower book? (In my dreams, I know.) I'd die for some lifestyle tips from them...something we know MM loves to share! :) Charlotte, do you think this would be at all possible in her new role?

    Happy Passover and Easter to everyone!

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    1. Oh to dream..... I have no idea Lauren if it'd be appropriate? Tho I'd be first in line to buy a copy! lol :)

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    2. I know, right?! I'd be on cloud nine!! :) :)

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  20. Zora from Prague2 April 2018 at 17:41

    Those flowers are so beautiful... can't wait for all the flower decorations!!! I love foxgloves, we have lots of them growing in the forests. I don't think I've ever seen them used in this kind of decorations but I bet they will be really beautiful!!

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    1. Zora, I agree with you completely! It seems she's somehow able to take all these beautiful woodland flowers & work them into such amazing arrangements with both perennial & hothouse flowers! This incredible mix is breathtaking & I can never pull it off! The wild & woodland flowers always wilt too fast for me? She must really know her stuff, how to creatively & successfully work with all these flowers of differing origins! I can't wait! :)

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  21. I think Sophie had the most beautiful bouquet of all the royal weddings in the past thirty years or so. Gorgeous trailing greenery. Kate's was quite underwhelming, though I think some would find it very tasteful to have such a small and simple bouquet. Love the thistle in Zara's bouquet, as I had it in mine!

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    1. SSM, I actually quite liked Kate's sweet simply bouquet. It didn't detract from all the intricate beauty of her dress or all the trees & florals in The Abbey. It seemed quintessentially Kate, to me. :)

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    2. Becca,
      I liked Kate’s bouquet as well. I thought all of her flowers were very pretty, and I loved the trees. I liked how the flowers and the trees were able to be incorporated into Westminster Abbey in such a way that they seemed like they should be there always.

      For Meghan’s wedding, I imagine the flowers will be more noticeable as St. George’s Chapel isn’t as massive as the Abbey. I think Meghan’s bouquet will be larger, but still tasteful. I don’t know if we’ll have the full English garden look, but I think the flowers will be very noticeable.

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    3. 🌸 Becca. I thought Kate’s bouquet was, as you said, “quintessentially Kate”. She incorporated her “language of flowers” theme in her bouquet composition. It definitely in no way competed with her dress with colors, size or design and it was lightweight and very manageable. I, of course would have added a few sparklies (tastefully) either in the bouquet or on the dress, but that’s just me.

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  22. Beautiful, simply beautiful!! I was so inspired by this post that I went to the store and bought myself two bunches of flowers and did my own arranging. I love to arrange flowers but I'm no where near Philippa's works of art. I'm happy that Meghan advocates buying flowers for oneself, nothing is nicer than having fresh flowers in the house.

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    1. What I'm so amazed with, is how she uses wild garden flowers like Queen Anne's lace etc. When I've tried that, they just don't make it!? It's the sturdier perennials that work best for me, but it's the mix of both perennial & wild flowers that sets her work apart to me!!! Oh Swoon.... :)

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  23. And as much as we are looking forward to their visit this Friday, I'm thinking that we cannot expect too much in the way of fashion. I'm betting on black skinny jeans, a black top, and a sporty jacket.

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  24. I never get tired of looking at floral arrangements! Whether we're talking about basic white, pastels, or a more dramatic presentations, I appreciate the artistic talent behind it. The only thing that is more important is the wedding dress! :-)

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  25. Susan in Florida3 April 2018 at 04:07

    These arrangements are exquisite ! Just what most people imagine when they think of the words “English Garden”

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    1. Yes, they are lovely. Very English! :)

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  26. Replies
    1. 🌸hmmm 🤔. Becca, bless your heart. Uh oh, I have pondered these results and I don’t know what we can do about those imposter emojis. (You did get those here, so that’s a start.) :)
      Don’t give up. Somebody here can help. I just know it. You guys? Help please.

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    2. 🌸 any solutions or suggestions anyone?

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    3. Yes SG, I'm so disappointed. I logged in & commented from my iPhone & used the emoji button we both have on it at the bottom..... hrmffff! :( I think I even used something simple like a smiley face & a thumbs up?

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    4. 🌸 🤔. I know it is something simple. We’ll get it right.xo

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    5. 🌸 Becca. This is a thought. Perhaps you have to be signed into the blogger with either with your e-mail address or your Apple ID. I think that is the answer. I don’t recall how to do either of those things as I just sort of stumbled into it one day.
      It may have something to do with publishing through google at the bottom of the page here.
      I will try to recall that and let you know. lol. hmmph. All this I.T. stuff makes want to take a nap or go shopping or eat a chocolate sundae or something. BUT I won’t give up. :)
      Does anyone else here know how to do that stuff?

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    6. I'm on it SG!! I'll experiment with it all...... but after my nap! Tech issues do that to me too! lol :)

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  27. Wow these are beautiful. The all white and soft pinks are exquiste.
    Its lovely to see they will utilise the natural foliage and seasonal flowers from the royal houses as well as the staff. She looks pretty experienced in dealing with KP and huge occassions.

    I wonder if they will add a 'personal' element in here, like the avenue of trees that W&C had which they then had replanted at Highgrove (I think?).

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    1. Mr. D., I was wondering about that too? The mix of English Garden Flowers is Amazing! The English can do gardens & floral arrangements like no other! We do our best, over here in the states, but it's like a sad attempt at a repeat. Only The English can truly take English Gardens & arrangements to their full organic & creative potential, at least this is what one garden & floral lover thinks over here in the states! :)

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    2. Why do Americans keep slamming themselves? I disagree. We have some truly beautiful gardens and very talented florists in the states. The British climate is different which creates some distinctions in what can be grown when and for how long but there are exquisite gardens attached to museums and historic homes as well as private estates. Also, florists like Phillipa Craddock can be found all over the country. They are expensive but can do exactly what she does.

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    3. I understand what you are saying Anon 14:29, but I think it's the combination of the climate, as well as the customs & culture, compared to over here. Remember, all of England has a climate that is unique compared to The US. Yes, there are pockets in our country, of some states that do have similar climates. However, we have such variety of climates over here. Yes, there are lovely & exquisite gardens in special places such as you have mentioned. I'm a huge gardener & have a 1/2 acre sculpted 'English Garden' based on the layout of a Williamsburg Garden. Then I have another 1/2 acre that is more wildflowers & woodland florals & trees. I think what makes it so different over in England, is that you can find these amazing "English Gardens" anywhere from large Estates to little country cottages & anyplace in-between. I mean, a home & garden is old over here if it's 100yrs+. While in England, it's common for so many homes & gardens to be 500+ yrs old! I remember the wife (British) of one of my cousins, saying that her home wasn't very old.... just 530yrs!!! :O So that whole cultural perspective & the age of the gardens & plants just puts "English Gardens" into a league of their own. That's just my opinion & what I was speaking to. :)

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    4. 🌸 so true, 14:29. Every country has talented florists who maximize their country’s beautiful flowers and greenery.

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    5. Zora from Prague6 April 2018 at 10:43

      Anon 14:29, I agree there are many exquisite gardens and lots of very talented florists in the US. Still, there is something about the British gardens that makes them unique. Partly, it is probably the climate as you say, and partly... who knows? Perhaps the tradition, the fact that some of the gardens have been there for centuries and the ways of growing and tending plants have been passed through generations of plant lovers... We also have lovely gardens here but there is something special about the British ones. 🙂 To sum up: a beautiful garden makes me happy, wherever it is; a beautiful garden in the UK makes me double-happy (said an Anglophile 😉.)

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    6. 🌸 Zora. Winston Churchill could not have said that better. :)

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    7. Zora from Prague6 April 2018 at 16:36

      Oh, surfer girl, that's a huge compliment! I am honoured :)

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    8. 🌸 honor where honor is due. :)

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    9. Zora, SG is right! Churchill would have approved!! :) xo

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    10. Mr. D., I had no idea that W&K had the Trees from Their Wedding (inside the Abbey) transplanted to HIghgrove? How Fabulous & Special! I'm just going to think of it as true, until I hear otherwise! :)

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    11. Ohhh, this American needs to chime in here. 😀 I am a huge fan of English gardens! And while I'm not suggesting that we don't have talented florists and landscapers on this side of the pond, *generally speaking* we tend to favor a "structured" appearance vs. the more organic English gardens that include a colidascope of colors and various heights (of the flowers and plants). Sorry , but the English have the patent on that and I don't think they're in danger of losing it.

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    12. **** Kaleidoscope 🙈😯😀

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    13. Zora from Prague7 April 2018 at 16:35

      :) royalfan, I agree! And Becca, your cousin's wife with her "only "530 yrs old cottage really says it all!
      Btw, when I'm depressed or upset I sometimes just google images of English cottages, woods and gardens - they definitely have a healing effect on me! (The surest "medicine" I take is something like this: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g887125-d2490320-i97505284-Ashridge_Estate-Berkhamsted_Hertfordshire_England.html or http://www.jamesappleton.co.uk/Ashridge1.html).

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  28. As I grew to "know" the RF more, I started to care more about them, like they were my own extended family (only better). I have been used to there being a Queen Elizabeth since I remember, which would be watching "I Love Lucy" as a kid. I read yesterday about the many threats to the family including some 200 individuals who have dubious mental health and are posing threats to MM and Harry. And today I read that Prince Philip will have surgery, and I'm worried for them all. Maybe that is why the whole family was there on Easter. And hopefully Harry and MM were with Philip or Charles. Definitely praying that he will be OK. :)

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    1. Allison, I can relate to everything you said & I too am hoping & praying that Prince Philip will come through ok & have a healthy recovery. I just read that the Queen Mother had hip surgery at 95 & of course lived past 100! I keep checking to see if there is any update about his status. He's got lots of us out here praying for him & the family! They may be Royal, but as I watch them through this time, what I see is a Family just like ours with joys, sorrows & concerns. God Bless The Windsors during this concerning time. They all love Prince Philip so much! As Eugenie said in The Queen's documentary, I don't know what we'd do without Granddad (or words to that effect)! xoxo

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    2. Zora from Prague5 April 2018 at 10:43

      Allison and Becca, I've also been checking updates about Prince Philip's condition. Today I read he is "in good spirits" - hopefully his strong will and good physical state (he's still a sportsman! In March he was driving a carriage!) will help him overcome these problems. Of course, if it was a hip replacement it is no fun even for much younger people. I do believe he will recover well, though. I also remember Eugenie talking very tenderly about her Granddad, tears filling her eyes. That moment was when I really came to understand how much he means for them all.

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    3. Oh Zora, I agree with every lovely thing that you said! :)

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  29. Gorgeous arrangements. If peonies are truly one of Meghan's favorite flowers then I am guessing she will have brightly colored flowers in the arrangements in the church. The bridal bouquet gets tricky as you do not want to overshadow the dress either with the size or the colors in the bouquet. So we will see.

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  30. 🌸 feel better, Prince Phillip. Our prayers are with you.

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  31. I’ve never met a flower I didn’t like, so I’m sure I’ll love it. My only hope is that there is some colour and from descriptions it seems there will be, so I’m happy.

    I forgot to make my style prediction for April 6th, so here goes. From the description it seems to be a casual, sporty event, so I suggest these looks:
    https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81t-M8Ee4NL._UY445_.jpg
    https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Zoom/15/_102036415.jpg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=391&h=600&quality=70
    https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Zoom/18/_102066178.jpg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=391&h=600&quality=70
    https://img1.etsystatic.com/216/0/10379595/il_570xN.1425871751_90vg.jpg

    And from Meghan’s closet I’d like to see this sweater with pants from Wales:
    https://ca.hellomagazine.com/images/stories/2014/08/18/000/157/601/gallery_3_5.jpg
    https://i.pinimg.com/originals/86/a6/13/86a613014cccce75733a86a2ef957456.jpg

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  32. Is it just me, or does Philippa Craddock resemble another Philippa we know??

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  33. The flowers look simply incredible. It will very interestng if we see a more detailed look of the whole concept apart from the church decoration.
    On a different note: Charlotte- do you have any insight if their wedding truly is going to be more expensive than W&K? In my country the number 36 million is floating through the press.
    C.

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    1. These weddings don’t come cheap do they? I hope H&M’s doesn’t cost that much. That’s an astonishing amount of money to be spending on nuptials.

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    2. The 36 million would be the security costs paid by the taxpayers, not things like flowers or food.

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    3. 🌸 Kiwi Gal. Right. lol, $45 to $58 does quality as not “cheap”. Can you imagine?

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    4. 🌸 * uh, as in millions, lol. Still, can you imagine?

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  34. I was wondering if Meghan may have officially changed her name to Meghan as opposed to Rachael. It seems unusual that they would use a nickname on official invitations, especially considering they went to the effort of using ‘Ms’. Harry was referred to and Henry.
    It will be interesting to see if there’s any mention of this officially.

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    1. Meghan is NOT her nickname, it’s her legal middle name. People go by their middle name all the time, there’s no need to change anything legally.
      For example, Queen Victoria’s full legal name was Alexandrina Victoria.

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    2. 🌸 Lady P. Meghan is part of her given birth name.
      Not just a nickname.

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    3. Well it would be classed as a nickname as her legal forename is Rachael.
      My point being if Harry is referred to as Henry you’d have thought Meghan would be referred to as Rachael.

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    4. 🌸 Her full name is Rachel Meghan Markle.

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  35. I am getting more and more excited for Prince Harry and Ms. Markles wedding. It will be televised won't it???

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    1. Yes, it’s been announced months ago.

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  36. KiwiGal, that was my thought! Definitely looks like "the" Pippa to me.

    And I was worried about Prince Philip, but he seems to be fine postoperatively. Read that MM and Harry went to Los Angeles on Easter (in Vanity Fair) and that Charles was in Australia, so I guess there was no need to worry. :)

    And during my worry, I looked up Prince Philip on Wikipedia and found such interesting family connections. I had forgotten how the royal families used to be so related because now it doesn't seem unusual for true "commoners" to marry into it. I didn't know PP was a great-great grandson of Queen Victoria (I think I have that right). And one of his mother's five names was Julia, so maybe Princess Julia is possible for W&K?

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    1. The Queen and Prince Philip are second cousins.

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    2. Oh Allison, now you've gone & done it! lol :) I was sick in bed one day & went back to my research of Victoria & Albert's Children & Grandchildren to retrace their marriages & offspring etc re: lineage. I slimmed it down to just the descendants we'd know about today & from which child they descended. I've been meaning to share it but as yet have not. I'll do this in 2 replies. As far as The Queen & Prince Philip go..... HM is of course descended from V&A's eldest son Albert/Bertie aka King Edward VII. Philip is descended from V&A's 2nd eldest daughter Alice. The Queen & Prince Philip are 3rd Cousins. So King Edward VII & Alice (Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine) were brother & sister. 1) King Edward VII's son King George V & Alice's daughter Princess Victoria (who married Prince Louis of Battenberg) were 1st Cousins. 2) Their Children (King George V's = David/Edward VIII (abdicated) & Albert (George VI) were 2nd Cousin's with Victoria & Louis Battenberg's Children = Alice (Princess Andrew of Greece & Denmark) & Lord Louis Mountbatten,Last Viceroy of India (aka "Uncle Dickie"). 3) George VI's daughter was of course Queen Elizabeth & Alice (Princess Andrew of Greece & Denmark)'s son was Prince Philip. So Thus 3rd Cousins. Lord Louis Mountbatten was Prince Philip's Uncle & Prince Charles's Great Uncle/Grandfather Figure & Closest Friend! (He's the one who was blown up in Northern Ireland in the late 1970's while on his boat). So on Queen Elizabeth's side it goes: V&A - (Albert/Bertie) King Edward VII - George V - (Albert/Bertie) GeorgeVI - Queen Elizabeth II...... on Prince Philip's side it goes: V&A - Princess Alice of Hesse - Princess Victoria of Battenburg - Princess Alice of Greece & Denmark - Prince Philip/Duke of Edinburgh. Also, when King George V changed the Royal Family's name from "Saxe-Coburg & Goetha" to "Windsor" he had other Royal Family Names changed to less German sounding ones! So The "Battenburgs" became The "Mountbattens". (both names mean "mountain". When Prince Philip came to live in England with his Uncle Louis Mountbatten, they legally changed his name from "Prince Philip of Greece & Denmark" to "Philip Mountbatten". Thus taking his Maternal Grandparents' last name! Sorry, my geeky side is showing! lol :)

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    3. Anon 02:07, just wait for my loooong post about The Queen & Prince Philip's lineage that Allison unleashed! lol :) Her post caught me just after I had been refreshing myself of the descendants of Victoria & Albert & their whereabouts! Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip are 3rd Cousins. But here's the redux!
      The Queen:
      Victoria & Albert - Albert/Bertie eldest son (aka King Edward VII) - George V - Albert/Bertie 2nd Son (aka George VI) - Queen Elizabeth II
      Prince Philip:
      Victoria & Albert - Princess Alice/2nd eldest daughter (Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine) - Princess Victoria (Princess Louis of Battenberg) - Alice (Princess Andrew of Greece & Denmark) - Prince Philip/Duke of Edinburgh

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  37. Hmm i love the flowers arragements All over hmm i love the whole church and reception has bunch of flowers hmm i hope the meghan markle will help to arrange their bridal bouquet it would be lovely she got huge bunch flowers than the duchess cambridge bridal bouquet would be nice but i think the meghan get huge flowers bridal snd be good that fur baby would be present

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  38. 🌸 Allison. I read that also. I don’t know about that though. They, even “qualified” sources, have said she was in Los Angeles before and that Harry was hither and yon and they weren’t. So to me, without photos or an additional credentialed source, I say that Meghan and Harry could be on Mars for all anyone really knows. And since Meghan went to the extra effort to be not just baptised, but confirmed into the Church to honor the Queen, as she said, I think she and Harry should have been there for Easter services. As important as all services there are, Easter is definitely a biggie. It should have meant something special to them also and indicated as such by their presence there. :)

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    1. I vote for "Mars"! lol :) No but seriously, I too am perplexed by this one?

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    2. Annette New Zealand9 April 2018 at 16:14

      It has now been confirmed that she went to Los Angeles to spend some time with her own mother which is totally appropriate.

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  39. ILoveElephants6 April 2018 at 01:46

    Wow, there are a lot of Phillipa’s in Britain!

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  40. I suppose that if Easter were really special to her, then being with her mother would be a nice thing to do, though. Surely seeing Mom after maybe six months is important, too. The timing seemed odd, but maybe she wanted to spend Easter specifically in LA. And it did give some nice attention to Eugenie and Jack.

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  41. �� Lauren, I have always contended that should Harry want his bride to wear, not a Windsor tiara, but the tiara that his beloved mother wore in her famous walk up the aisle at St. Paul’s Cathedral, then his uncle will gladly allow that. Harry is half Spencer after all. And, it would give even more historic provenance to the tiara. That’s important to a family who has a whole-floor walkway of portraits of their illustrious family history that, as Diana so succinctly pointed out, goes back way further in English history than that of the Windsors. So I think that if Harry requests that tiara for his bride, to commemorate his mother and honor the long aristocratic history of the Spencers, that that tiara will be made readily available to him. And, since Kate already has Diana’s famous Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, the Spencer tiara could very easily adorn Meghan on her walk down the aisle in May. Meghan has made it a point to get to know Diana’s family. I think that that will also contribute to any request for the use of that tiara that Harry would make. And as far as the Spencer girls are concerned, I don’t think the Spencer girls would mind that at all. It would just give even more “clout” to their family tiara. :)

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    1. surfer girl, of course I see your points. If Meghan were to wear the Spencer tiara, it would be a beautiful gesture and an additional way of including memories of Diana in the Big Day. I was and am excited by the prospect of seeing the Spencer tiara again!

      I do think that in the end, the decision is entirely Meghan's rather than Harry's.

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    2. 🌸 Lauren. I do agree that the decision is entirely up to Meghan, lol. At this stage in the game I would say the bulk of the decisions are at Meghan’s discretion, including living at Frogmore.
      What ever Meghan wants, Meghan gets, piggybacked on the fact that pretty much whatever Harry wants Harry gets. All within reason of course, but still in Royal proportions.👑
      And, Meghan was no slouch prior to this in fulfilling her “Tig” caliber, inspired plans. The girl is on the Carpe Diem team. :)

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    3. I hope this doesn’t come across as bashing or hating on anyone, but I think Meghan really really needs to stay far away from the Spencer tiara. There are enough people out there that look for any opportunity to say awful things about her, and one of the consistent things said is that Meghan wants to be the next Diana and this is all part of her machinations to get there.
      I think the Spencer would look lovely on her, but since she is getting the reputation of getting what she wants at no matter the cost, I think this might be one to let go. There was already so much uproar about the fast track she’s seemingly on with the royal family, and wearing Diana’s wedding tiara may make it worse.
      I really wish that she and Harry could do what they wished but I just don’t know how the public would handle it with the tiara.

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    4. I am not going to hold my breath in anticipation of Meghan wearing the Spencer tiara. IF and I mean IF we ever see it worn by a member of the RF, I think it would be worn by Kate (when she is Princess of Wales) or perhaps by Charlotte on her own wedding day many years from now. But if I had to bet...I'd bet against it.

      I agree that it would be nice to see it worn by Diana's daughter-in-laws, but I cannot imagine it being done in front of Charles. Me thinks he would cancel the evening wedding reception!!!!

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  42. 🌸 I thought about that Allison and it is a sweet thought, but since the Spiritual Center in Culver City that Doria attends does not celebrate Easter, Meghan could have easily arranged her schedule to any time. Again, Easter is very important to the Queen who is 92. And as Prince Phillip was already out of the equation this Easter (hopefully not for long) those times with her new grandparents, especially the Queen who Meghan wants to honor as the Head of the Church are precious, in my opinion. :) And attending church with the Queen this Easter would have done that. Hopefully, she will get a second chance next year. :)

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    1. Well, SG, Harry has always gotten a pass for not attending church with the Queen on Easter and likewise for C&C.

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)