The Tamesis
19
The team, whose youngest member at the time was from the Royal School of Needlework, was made up of current staff, former staff, mentors, graduates and students, working on fashion’s best-kept secret: Kate’s wedding dress.
Chapter 888
The number of diamonds in the Cartier halo tiara was lent to Kate by Prince William’s grandmother, the Queen, on the occasion of her wedding.
five
Kate’s wedding bouquet included many different types of leaves: lily of the valley, symbolizing the return of happiness; sweet William, representing valor; hyacinth, symbolizing steadfast love; ivy, representing fidelity, marriage, conjugal love, friendship and affection; and myrtle, symbol of marriage and love.
Four
Flower girls accompanying the bride at Westminster Abbey included Lady Louise Windsor, Margaretta Armstrong-Jones, Grace Van Cuterson and Eliza Lopes, all wearing white gowns by Nicki Macfarlane. Pippa Middleton, sister of the current Princess of Wales, who was a bridesmaid on her big day, also wore McQueen.
153
The number of years myrtle has been included in royal brides’ wedding bouquets. The tradition dates back to 1858, when Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, wore it on her wedding day. It is used to symbolize the traditional innocence of the bride.
