Royal Wedding 2011: Kate's wedding bouquet returns to Westminster Abbey

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 11:13 PM on 30th April 2011

The Duchess of Cambridge has followed the poignant royal tradition of having her wedding bouquet left at the grave of the unknown warrior.

The resting place at Westminster Abbey holds the remains of a First World War soldier who has come to symbolise the nation's war dead.

The late Queen Mother began the long-standing tradition when her posy was left at the grave in 1923 after her wedding to the Duke of York, later George VI.

The wedding bouquet of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, lies on the grave of the unknown warrior in Westminster Abbey

The smiling bride: Kate holding the bouquet as she travelled to Westminster Abbey in the car with her father

The newly-weds: Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge travel to Buckingham Palace by carriage following their marriage at Westminster Abbey

The royal left the flowers in memory of her brother Fergus, killed in 1915 during the global conflict.
Convention dictates that the day following royal weddings the floral tribute is sent to the Abbey after the official wedding pictures of the bride and groom have been taken.

Kate's bridal bouquet, which includes sweet William, as well as myrtle, lily-of-the-valley and hyacinth, has been placed on a small pillow on the grave.

The Unknown Warrior's body was brought from France and buried on Armistice Day, November 11 1920.

It is thought the idea came from the Rev David Railton, who had served as a chaplain on the Western Front.

To the surprise of the organisers during the week after the burial an estimated 1.2 million people visited the Abbey, and the site is now one of the most visited war graves in the world.

Following the success of the Royal Wedding on Friday, crowds queue to enter Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday