Wedding flowers gifted to 89-year-old in hospice - who used to WORK for QUEEN’s dressmaker
FLOWERS from the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were given to various charities – including a hospice where a former embroideress who worked for the Queen's dressmaker and helped make her bridal gown.
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Pauline Clayton, 89, a patient at St Joseph's Hospice I Hackney, east London, was one of the main needleworkers who worked on the wedding dress worn by the Queen when she married Prince Phillip in November 1947.
A selection of flowers from the day were sent to the charity, including white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves that surrounded the couple on the big day.
But, to their surprise, staff at the hospice had only learnt that the needlewoman had worked for Sir Norman Hartnell after the Royal Wedding had finished.
A delighted Mrs Clayton said that the bouquet was "lovely".
Speaking from the hospice where she is receiving respite care, she said: "If I was her [Meghan], I would have wanted to keep them all with me."
After the wedding, the Duchess of Sussex followed royal tradition by having her wedding bouquet placed on the tomb of the unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey.
The bouquet reportedly included one of Princess Diana's favourite flowers, Forget-me-nots, which were handpicked from Harry and Meghan's private garden at Kensington Palace.
Following the wedding, guests took to social media to express their excitement for the after-party and to reflect on the historic day.
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Meghan's close friend, the actress Priyanka Chopra, paid tribute to the couple's ceremony on Instagram because it "stood for change".
She wrote: "Every once in a while there is a moment when time stands still.. that happened today.. You my friend.. were the epitome of grace, love and beauty.
"Every choice made at this wedding by you both will go down in history, not just because it was your wedding but because this incredible wedding stood for change and hope. Both things that the world needs desperately.
"Thank you for being the perfect picture of all things good.. seeing your union and love blessed in front of my eyes Made me so happy.. and tear up! I wish you both love happiness and togetherness always."
Tennis ace Serena Williams showed off her second outfit on Twitter as other guests revealed a sneak peek of the evening wedding invitation.