Hellebore, tulips, bluebells: Westminster Abbey will be decked out with flowers from all over the UK for the coronation.
The plants arrived at the church two days before the big event, where they will decorate the high altar, the entrance, the chancel and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Saturday. According to the palace, the 120 different species represent a wide range of British flora. Some typically grow on the north of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, others in Northern Ireland, and still others in south-west Cornwall.
The selection of flowers and plants, provided by Flowers from the Farm organization and the Royal Horticultural Society, is said to reflect the royal couple’s love of nature and their passion for gardening, according to the palace. When decorating, attention is paid to sustainable methods – for example without the use of disposable plastic.
At the front are said to be two floral arrangements inspired in color by the high altar and royal robes. It features Hellebore, one of King Charles III’s favorite flowers, which he also wore in his buttonhole at his wedding to Camilla. Among other things, the altar is decorated with branches of beech trees that were planted by Charles’ late parents Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
After the big event, all flowers and shrubs are to be donated to the Floral Angels organization. Volunteers bind the flowers into bouquets and take them to nursing homes or hospices.
