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Royal Florist Shane Connolly Invested as MBE at Windsor Castle

The honor cites his leadership in sustainable, British‑sourced design for landmark royal events.

Overview

  • Connolly received the MBE on Jan. 13, 2026 during an investiture at Windsor Castle led by Princess Anne in the first ceremony of the year.
  • He directed the floral design for Prince William and Catherine’s 2011 Westminster Abbey wedding, creating a tree‑lined aisle with six field maples and two hornbeams in a neutral, English‑sourced scheme.
  • For the 2023 coronation, he curated more than 120 varieties, including blooms favored by the King and Queen, with branches sourced from the five Royal Horticultural Society gardens.
  • His royal work began with the 2005 wedding blessing of then‑Prince Charles and Camilla, and he holds Royal Warrants from King Charles and Queen Camilla granted in 2024.
  • A champion of seasonal, British‑grown flowers, Connolly has said he hopes to rekindle public interest in sustainable floristry.