Following a tradition dating back to the 19th century, Osborne House in East Cowes is set to play a part in April’s Royal Wedding, when Kate Middleton walks down the aisle to marry the future King of England, Prince William.
Known as a the ‘herb of love’, a fragrant sprig of myrtle, which features star-like flowers, will be picked from Queen Victoria’s personal garden at Osborne House, Isle of Wight and will be incorporated into Miss Middleton’s wedding bouquet.
The tradition started after Queen Victoria planted the sprig of myrtle at her rural retreat on the Island after her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Since that time, all royal brides from Queen Victoria’s family have carried a sprig cut to the altar, from the exact tree planted 171 years ago.
Originally the myrtle was placed in the bridal wreath for the wedding ceremony and then later planted in the bride’s garden. Myth followed the tradition and it was often believed that if the sprig did not strike, the bridesmaid who planted the myrtle would remain an old maid. Fortunately for them, myrtle roots and is grown easily.
The name herb of love comes from Hebrew times, when myrtle was seen as a sign of marriage. This theme was followed into the Victorian era, when it often symbolised fidelity, good luck and was an emblem of everlasting love.
After a bouquet went missing at the then-Princess Elizabeth’s marriage to Prince Phillip in 1947, three identical bouquets are created as a precaution and for ease of use. This was exampled at Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, when three different bouquets were used at the dress rehearsal, the ceremony and for the official photographs.
Following the ceremony, which is to be held at Westminster Abbey on April 29, Miss Middleton’s bouquet will be taken to the grave of the Unknown Warrior, a tradition that began in 1923 with Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother).
