The simple beauty of lily of the valley has captivated hearts for centuries, yet few blooms carry such a weight of royal tradition and symbolic meaning. This delicate flower, with its nodding white bells and sweet fragrance, has woven its way through the most significant moments in British royal history, transforming what might seem like an ordinary garden plant into an emblem of prestige, purity, and enduring affection. From coronation ceremonies to bridal bouquets, the Royal Family has long cherished this unassuming bloom, elevating it to a status few other flowers can claim.
The Royal History Behind Lily of the Valley Gift-Giving
Origins of the Lily of the Valley Tradition in Royal Circles
The custom of presenting lily of the valley as a token of goodwill and good fortune can be traced back centuries, with roots extending beyond British shores. It was Charles IX of France who first popularised the idea of gifting these fragrant blossoms every May Day, establishing a tradition that would ripple across European courts and eventually find a cherished place within the British monarchy. The flower, known scientifically as Convallaria majalis, is native to Europe and northern Asia, and belongs to the asparagus family. Its delicate appearance belies a hardy nature, thriving in shaded woodland areas where it spreads quietly via underground rhizomes. This modest yet resilient character may well have contributed to its appeal among those who valued both beauty and substance.
In Victorian times, the language of flowers held immense cultural significance, and lily of the valley was imbued with the symbolism of a return to happiness, humility, and purity. Ancient associations linked the bloom to themes of motherhood and love, while mythology connected it to the Greek god Apollo. Such layered meanings made it an ideal choice for royal occasions, where every gesture and gift carried deeper resonance. The flower also became the official bloom for the month of May, cementing its place in springtime celebrations and rituals. Its appearance in royal contexts was never merely decorative; it was a statement of continuity, tradition, and the values the monarchy sought to embody.
How the Monarchy Elevated This Delicate Bloom into a Symbol of Prestige
Queen Elizabeth II held lily of the valley in particularly high regard, and her affection for the flower was evident in her choice to include it in her coronation bouquet in 1953. This decision was far from arbitrary. By selecting a bloom so rich in historical and symbolic weight, the young Queen signalled her commitment to tradition while also embracing the softer, more personal aspects of her role. The presence of lily of the valley in such a momentous ceremony elevated the flower from a garden favourite to a symbol of regal elegance and grace. It became a floral signature of sorts, representing not only the Queen herself but also the enduring values of the institution she led.
The flower's royal pedigree was further reinforced when Kate Middleton chose to carry lily of the valley in her bridal bouquet in 2010. This choice was widely interpreted as a tribute to both tradition and the late Queen, creating a thread of continuity between generations of royal women. The Duchess of Cambridge's bouquet was a masterclass in understated elegance, and the inclusion of this particular bloom spoke volumes about the couple's respect for heritage. The royal family's endorsement of lily of the valley has also been reflected in various trend lab blog discussions, where enthusiasts and horticulturists alike explore the ways in which the monarchy's preferences influence wider floral trends and gardening practices. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the flower's association with luck in love and its status as the national flower of Finland since 1967 have only added to its international mystique.
Modern Royal Practices: Keeping the Lily of the Valley Custom Alive
Contemporary royal family members and their personal touch
While Queen Elizabeth II may have been the most prominent advocate of lily of the valley, other members of the Royal Family have also embraced the tradition in their own ways. King Charles III, for instance, is known to favour delphiniums, which he has described as holding pride of place in his botanical affections. Queen Camilla, meanwhile, has expressed her admiration for Lady's Mantle, or Alchemilla mollis, which she considers a must for every gardener. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, prefers hellebores for their early and prolonged flowering, while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have shown a fondness for azaleas, drawn to their beauty and scent. These varied preferences highlight the Royal Family's broader engagement with horticulture and the natural world, yet the tradition of gifting lily of the valley remains a unifying thread.
The Duchess of Gloucester has spoken of her love for sweet peas and has even taken up weaving wicker trellises to support them, demonstrating a hands-on approach to gardening that resonates with the public. The Duke of Gloucester, in a charming gesture, has been known to rescue daisies and replant them, while Princess Alexandra has cited the Golden Celebration Rose as her favourite for its scent and beauty. These personal touches reflect a genuine passion for plants and flowers, yet it is lily of the valley that continues to hold a special place in the most formal and significant royal occasions. The flower's enduring presence in royal life serves as a reminder that tradition and personal sentiment need not be at odds, but can instead complement and enrich one another.
Special Occasions When Royals Present Lily of the Valley Bouquets
The tradition of presenting lily of the valley is most prominently observed during weddings and coronations, but it also features in more intimate royal gatherings and celebrations. May Day, in particular, has long been associated with the flower, a custom that echoes the French tradition of La Fete du Muguet, when sprigs of the bloom are exchanged as tokens of luck and affection. In royal circles, the flower is often included in posies and bouquets for spring events, garden parties, and commemorative services. Its delicate appearance and sweet fragrance make it an ideal choice for occasions that call for a blend of formality and warmth.
The Royal Horticultural Society has also played a role in keeping the tradition alive, particularly during the Chelsea Flower Show, an event that has long been a favourite of the Royal Family. When the show was cancelled due to the coronavirus, the RHS launched VirtualChelsea, an online platform where members of the Royal Family shared their favourite flowers in support of Mental Health Awareness Week. This modern adaptation of a cherished tradition demonstrates how the monarchy continues to evolve while honouring its past. Lily of the valley, with its rich history and layered symbolism, remains a fitting emblem for such occasions, bridging the gap between the public and private faces of royalty.
For those inspired by royal practices and eager to cultivate their own lily of the valley, it is worth noting that the plant thrives in shaded areas with acidic to neutral soil and is best suited to hardiness zones three to seven. It blooms for around three to four weeks in late spring, reaching a height of six to twelve inches. While all parts of the plant are poisonous due to glycosides, making it important to handle with care, once established it is remarkably low maintenance. Enthusiasts may also consider growing the plant in pots to control its spread, as it can expand vigorously through underground rhizomes. Dividing the roots every few years encourages fresh growth and ensures the plant remains healthy and productive. Whether grown in a woodland garden or displayed in elegant terracotta pots, lily of the valley continues to enchant, just as it has for generations of royals and gardeners alike.