King Charles III Coronation 2023: What Flowers To Expect

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The flowers will "reflect the real characters" of the King and Queen Consort

King Charles III's Coronation will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, but what flowers are likely to feature in the ceremony? Keep reading for everything you need to know about King Charles' favourite flowers, Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation flowers, and what beautiful blooms will appear.

The colourful Coronation flowers will "reflect the real characters" of the King and Queen Consort. Inside Westminster Abbey, there will be 30 varieties of tulip, crab apples, azaleas, rhododendrons, and branches of trees planted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Other species include hellebores (they featured in the King's buttonhole at his 2005 wedding), and Lily of the valley and auriculas for the Queen. We'll also see cowslips, primroses and violets at The Great West Door. There will also be two tall yew topiaries at the door, which will be replanted later at Sandringham to grow into a permanent tribute to the Coronation.

Rosemary, bluebells, forget-me-nots and bay will be situated at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in the Abbey. The last of this year's daffodils have also been used, to symbolise chivalry.

Florist Shane Connolly, who was in charge of the flowers for the weddings of both the King and Queen in 2005, told The Telegraph: "The flowers are one of the things that can reflect the real characters of the King and Queen, simple garden flowers that are British seasonal, like they might cut themselves from their own gardens. I felt that was really important.

"Maybe this and the music are the two things that really reflect that personality. That was my aim, to make it all incredibly personal to them."

The flowers at the Coronation have been provided by Flowers from the Farm, meanwhile foliage from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) will feature at the High Alter. Chosen to reflect the King's passion for gardening, the flowers will be arranged using sustainable techniques without floral foam.

Shane adds: "The colours are more serious, I think. And we were very much inspired by the Cosmati pavement and the High Altar. It's almost like a stained glass window – the deep reds, earthy colours, coppery colours and fresh green."

All of the flowers and branches used will be donated to Floral Angels, a charity of which the Queen is patron. They will be reused in bouquets, and sent to care homes, shelters, hospices and other members of the local community.

The seasonal Coronation flowers have all been grown in UK soil, from Cornwall in the south west of England to the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, off the north west coast of Scotland.

"If guests take away something I would love it to be, Wow, that was all grown in Britain! Isn't that amazing!' So many big events people go to are full of flowers that have been flown halfway round the world. This is British, grown in the soil of the kingdom," adds Shane.

A symbol of purity, joy, love and sincerity, Lily of the valley was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and featured in her Coronation bouquet in 1953.

Her Majesty's Coronation bouquet was made up of white flowers – comprising of orchids and lily-of-the-valley from England, stephanotis from Scotland, orchids from Wales, and carnations from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. These featured as a representation of British colonies overseas.

It was also included in Kate Middleton's bridal bouquet when she married Prince William, so has special family connections.

The official Coronation invitation featured flowers such as cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance. It also had a British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation and illustrations of lily of the valley.

The Coronation Gin is the latest creation from Gin In A Tin, made in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. We love the beautiful design, which features a magnificent gold foiled crown, adorned with the iconic symbols of the four nations of the United Kingdom: a classic English rose, a traditional Scottish thistle, a springtime Welsh daffodil and the delicate Irish shamrock.

Upon sipping, you will notice distinctive notes of coriander, cardamom, lemon peel and botanicals centred around juniper berries. This tipple makes for the ultimate royal celebration drink, particularly when making a classic gin cocktail.

Raise your cuppa to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's commemorative mug. Perfect for fans to snap up in time for the Coronation.

Keep your teabags safe and secure in this colourful caddy. Featuring King Charles' official cypher and rows of miniature crowns, it's available to purchase for just £10.

This fabulous appliquéd and hand-embroidered cushion celebrates the Coronation in style. A beautiful keepsake to treasure for years to come.

This commemorative mug features the words 'King Charles Coronation' and includes an illustration of a crown surrounded by Union Jack flags. It's perfect to add to your Coronation memorabilia collection.

Featuring King Charles' official cypher, this handprinted mug from Etsy is a wonderful keepsake for the coronation of the King.

These stylish crown studs are an original design by jewellery artist Francesca Stella, hand-crafted in her studio in Cornwall using your choice of ethical gold.

The design is available exclusively on the Country Living Marketplace and can have the Coronation commemorative hallmark applied to them upon request before purchase.

Raise your morning coffee to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's appropriate 1/2 pint mug.

Printed and made in Great Britain, this Coronation commemorative tea towel celebrates King Charles III's favourite flower, the Delphinium, and his love of nature. It's made from 100% sustainably farmed cotton and is printed using reactive inks that are free from harmful chemicals.

Don't start your Coronation party without these Union Jack bunting napkins from Emma Bridgewater.

Protect your coffee table from spills and stains with this King Charles III coaster. Made from beech, it features the King's official cypher.

We love this commemorative mug which features an official portrait of King Charles III. It's the perfect souvenir to get your hands on ahead of the Coronation.

Enjoy your morning brew in this King Charles III Coronation mug. Embellished with 22 carat gold, it features the silhouette of the King on the front and back, and is decorated with vine motifs and a beautiful deep blue colour.

This commemorative tea towel features an official portrait of the King alongside the words 'King Charles III, 8th September 2022'.

Hang this King Charles Coronation flag at your street party to celebrate our new monarch.

Give your kitchen cupboards the royal treatment with this set of two King and Queen mug from Emma Bridgewater. Each set comes presented in a box.

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