Shane Connolly, the esteemed royal florist known for his stunning floral arrangements, received an MBE at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The honor was presented by Princess Anne for Connolly’s commitment to sustainable floristry. This recognition comes as Prince William and Kate Middleton prepare to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on April 29, 2026, recalling the extraordinary floral display from their wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011.
Connolly’s work during the royal wedding captivated an estimated two billion viewers as the couple exchanged vows. His vision transformed the aisle into a breathtaking arboreal setting, featuring six field maples and two hornbeams, which were transported to the Abbey at a reported cost of £50,000. “The theme is that everything is from the estates, that everything is English, that everything is seasonal,” Connolly explained to the BBC at the time. He emphasized a neutral color palette, aiming for an unpretentious and natural look that reflected Catherine’s country roots and their shared love for Britain.
Kate Middleton’s bouquet also held deep significance, filled with myrtle, lily of the valley, ivy, hyacinth, and sweet William. Lily of the valley, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizes trustworthiness in the Victorian language of flowers. Connolly’s royal wedding portfolio extends beyond the 2011 ceremony; he also created floral arrangements for the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005. The then Duchess of Cornwall incorporated lily of the valley in her bouquet alongside white, yellow, and lavender primroses.
Throughout his career, Connolly has contributed to various royal occasions, including the funerals of Camilla’s father and brother. His recent collaboration with King Charles and Queen Camilla for the Coronation in May 2023 highlighted their favorite blooms, including lily of the valley and hellebores. For the occasion, Connolly adorned the Abbey’s High Altar with branches sourced from five Royal Horticultural Society gardens, which hold significance for King Charles as a proponent of environmental harmony.
In a poignant gesture, Connolly sourced branches from two Dawyck beech trees planted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Wisley in 1978. Queen Camilla expressed her gratitude for Connolly’s work during an engagement at the Garden Museum in London in June 2023, remarking, “They were so beautiful,” while humorously noting, “I didn’t have a lot of chance to look at them.”
As Connolly receives recognition for his contributions to sustainable floristry, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the profound impact of his artistry on royal celebrations and moments of significance. His work not only enhances the visual splendor of these events but also embodies a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the British landscape.
