The Special Meaning Behind Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Funeral Wreath for Prince Philip

While Meghan Markle couldn't be in attendance at Prince Philip's funeral on April 17, she and Prince Harry both provided a wreath in his honor. Scroll on for the special meaning behind the gesture.

By Jess Cohen Apr 17, 2021 2:05 PMTags
Watch: Prince Philip Remembered in Never-Before-Seen Royal Photos

Though Meghan Markle couldn't be in attendance at Prince Philip's funeral, she's still playing a significant role in honoring the late royal.

While the Duchess of Sussex, who is pregnant with her and Prince Harry's baby girl, was advised by her physician not travel overseas for the service, she made a touching gesture in tribute of the Duke of Edinburgh.

According to a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry, the couple specifically requested for a special wreath to be laid for Philip, which included Acanthus mollis, the national flower of Greece, to represent Philip's heritage along with Eryngium to represent the Royal Marines. The wreath also features campanula to represent gratitude and everlasting love, rosemary to signify remembrance, lavender for devotion and with roses to honor Philip's June birth month.

Meghan, who will be watching the service from home, also penned a handwritten card to accompany the wreath, handmade by Willow Crossley, who also helped create the flower arrangements for a portion of the couple's royal wedding, as well as the flowers for their son Archie Harrison's christening.

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Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip's Romance Through the Years

Following Philip's death on April 9, Meghan and Harry shared a tribute to him on their Archewell website, which temporarily became an in memoriam for the late duke. "Thank you for your service," the couple wrote. "You will be greatly missed."

Alastair Grant/AP/Shutterstock

Days later, Harry continued to honor his "cheeky" grandfather. "My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor," he said in a statement on April 12. "He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm—and also because you never knew what he might say next."

"He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke," Harry continued. "But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end."

Watch a livestream of Prince Philip's funeral on E! News starting at 9:15 a.m. ET/6:15 a.m. PT on April 17.