When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle, it was with a stunning diamond ring that featured two stones from his late mother Princess Diana‘s collection. It was clear that the prince would hold his mother close throughout his royal wedding, and with Windsor Castle prepared for the big day on May 19, large floral arches studded with Diana’s favourite white roses welcome guests to the couple’s nuptials.

The breathtaking floral arches outside of St. George’s Chapel were envisioned by Philippa Craddock, Kensington Palace’s go-to floral designer. Meghan and Harry’s wedding decorations boast white garden roses, peonies, foxgloves, beech, birch and hornbeam, many of which are local and seasonal. The heartwarming homage to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, rests in the white roses, a seasonal bloom that the princess adored. Philippa is also responsible for putting together Meghan’s bouquet, the bridesmaids’ personal flowers and the floral décor.

Philippa Craddock's gorgeous floral arches adorn Windsor Castle

Philippa Craddock’s gorgeous floral arches adorn Windsor Castle. Photo: © Getty Images

During the couple’s engagement interview, Prince Harry spoke about the relationship he believed his future wife and beloved mother would have. “Oh, they’d be thick as thieves, without question, I think she would be over the moon, jumping up and down, you know so excited for me,” he said. “But then, as I said, [they] would have probably been best friends – best friends with Meghan.”

Meghan shared her 33-year-old fiance’s desire to have his mother close as they embarked on planning their wedding and life together. “I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness is – and the inclusion of [Diana’s stones] and obviously not being able to meet his mom it’s so important to me to – to know that she’s a part of this with us,” the 36-year-old said when speaking about the ring. “And I think in being able to meet his aunts and – and also like Julia and just different people who were so important to his mom, I’m able to, in some way, know a part of her through them and of course through him. And it’s – it’s incredibly special.”

Last year a memorial white garden for Princess Diana was opened at Kensington Palace

Last year a memorial white garden for Princess Diana was opened at Kensington Palace. Photo: © Getty Images

Last year, Princes William and Harry marked the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic passing with a garden full of beautiful blooms at Kensington Palace, called the White Garden. The ‘People’s Princess’ was well known for her love of flowers, a fact that was shared by head gardener Sean Harken when the memorial space opened.

There are likely to be many more tributes to Princess Diana during her younger son’s royal wedding, including a reading by her sister Lady Jane Fellowes during the ceremony.

Filed under: Royal Wedding