Meghan Markle has paid tribute to each of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth, including Australia, by including floral motifs from each of them in her Givenchy-designed wedding outfit.
Acclaimed British designer Clare Waight Keller designed Ms Markle's elegant full-length wedding gown which was made of pure white bonded silk cady and featured an open bateau neckline and long sleeves.
Intricate hand-embroidered floral designs in silk threads and organza, including Australian wattle, inspired by the Commonwealth countries were worked into Ms Markle's five-metre silk tulle veil.
"Ms Markle expressed the wish of having all 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her journey through the ceremony," a statement from Kensington Palace said.
"Ms Waight Keller designed a veil representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition."
The floral designs included an English rose, a Welsh daffodil, Scottish thistle, New Zealand's kowhai, an Indian lotus and Kenya's tropical orchid.
Ms Markle had wanted to include the floral designs in a nod to the work she and husband Prince Harry will carry out as part of his new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.
"Ms Markle wanted to express her gratitude for the opportunity to support the work of the Commonwealth by incorporating references to its members into the design of her wedding dress," the palace said.
"Significant time was spent researching the flora of each Commonwealth country and much care was taken by Ms Waight Keller to ensure that every flower is unique."
Holding Ms Markle's veil in place was Queen Mary's 1932 diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, on loan from the Queen.
Giving the bride an extra bit of extra sparkle were earrings and a bracelet made by Cartier.
Ms Markle also opted for a petite bouquet, which featured several flowers handpicked by Harry from the couple's private garden at Kensington Palace.
Designed by florist Philippa Craddock, the bouquet included spring blooms of scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine and astrantia as well as forget-me-nots - the favourite flower of Harry's mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
"The couple specifically chose them to be included in Ms Markle's bouquet to honour the memory of the late princess on this special day," the palace said.
And in a nod to royal tradition the bouquet also included sprigs of myrtle from stems planted at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen's wedding bouquet of 1947.
Australian Associated Press
