Seasonal flowers and fresh foliage sourced from different parts United Kingdom have arrived at Westminster Abbey. They are used to create stunning floral arrangements and displays for the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort. Flowers from the Farm, a non-profit organisation that supports artisan growers of cut flowers has supplied the flowers required. Additionally, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has provided the foliage to be used at the big event. The man behind the show, renowned florist Shane Connolly, designed the floral arrangements at the Coronation.
Shane Connolly took inspiration from Their Majesties’ deep affection for the natural world and their shared passion for gardening. The skillfully designed arrangements indeed reflect the vibrant British countryside in the spring and the richness of Westminster Abbey.
Shane was supposed to celebrate his birthday on May 6th. But he put his plans on hold as he was invited to play an important role in a national celebration. Following this, Buckingham Palace has released a short video showcasing Shane’s preparations for the Coronation in conjunction with Flowers from the Farm.
The Florist
Shane Connolly was born and brought up in West Belfast. A humble person, who hates publicity is in fact, one of the most talented event florists in the UK. His work prioritises local and homegrown flowers and foliage. Especially those that can be grown and found in the UK at any given time of year. So are his floral arrangements, connected to nature and the garden.
The connection to gardens and nature is also the root of his passion for the environment. ‘I feel it is my duty to talk to people about sustainability. I’m an ambassador for nature,’ he says. ‘I believe that flowers and plants are many peoples’ only connection to nature in their busy urban lives, so we as florists have a unique opportunity to encourage others to see nature in a deeply respectful, pure way.’
Shane Connolly formerly arranged the flowers for the wedding of King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 2005. Camilla carried seasonal primroses and lily-of-the-valley (Queen’s favourite flowers). He also created floral masterpieces for the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey. Kate carried a bouquet of home-grown and seasonal lily-of-the-valley again, with sweet william, myrtle and hyacinth.
The Florals
At the West Minster Abbey, The High Altar has been adorned with branches cut from flowering shrubs and trees from the five Royal Horticultural Society gardens. Crab apple blossoms, Amelanchier, camellia, acer, hazel, rhododendron, and azalea are skillfully placed among the beech foliage. At the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, a magnificent pair of yew topiaries will be displayed. And a meadow of wild grasses and cowslips, primroses and violets complemented the topiaries. Fresh spring flowers symbolising remembrance will frame the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The flowers include sprigs of rosemary, bay for virtue, bluebells and forget-me-nots for constancy of love, daffodils for chivalry, cowslips, lilac for memories of youth, and lily of the valley and auriculas.
The Quire, where the service took place was decorated with floral installations of seasonal flowers on each side. Hellebores – The King’s favourite, honeysuckle, tulips, ranunculus, blossom, jasmine, and aquilegia symbolising the Holy Spirit. The flowers were arranged aesthetically on the foliage of rosemary, birch, bay and hazel, and wild broom grown on the Isle of Skye. The colour palette of rich golds, burgundies, purples, pinks and reds in fact aligns with Their Majesties’ Robes of State and Estate.
After the Coronation services, the flowers and foliage will be donated to Floral Angels, a charity organisation. They will be then repurposed into bouquets for care homes, hospitals, shelters and other vulnerable members of society.
