It’s a longstanding wedding tradition for a bride to carry a bouquet - this tradition dates back to ancient times, when the bouquet was a small posy of herbs carried to ward off evil spirits. For the Royal Family, bridal bouquets have their own special traditions, relating to that very royal concept of continuity. Tradition dictates that the wedding flowers of Royal Brides contain flowers grown from the sprig of myrtle grown for use in the wedding bouquet of Queen Victoria (who married Prince Albert back in 1845). In addition to myrtle, Catherine’s posy comprised Lily-of-the-Valley, Hyacinth, Ivy and (of course!) Sweet William.
And who caught the bridal bouquet? No tossing of the bouquet at a Royal Wedding, we’re afraid! Instead, the Duchess followed another Royal Wedding tradition - placing her bouquet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a poignant tradition started by the Queen Mother at her wedding in 1923, in memory of her brother, who was killed in The Great War in 1915, and in honour of all British soldiers killed in conflict.
Image Source, The Daily Mail