Protea / Leucospermum cordifolium

OK, so I searched high and low in my house for something "English" that I could use to make a photo to celebrate the Royal Wedding of William and Kate today. Nothing, absolutely nothing, despite the fact that I spent the first 22 years of my life in England! With an enormous stretch of the imagination, I think this gorgeous and unusual Protea flower looks a little bit like a crown : ))) Aren't they spectacular flowers? The Proteaceae family to which proteas belong is an ancient one. Its ancestors grew in Gondwanaland, 300 million years ago. This particular species of Protea is called the Nodding Pincushion Protea.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protea

I changed my mind late last night and decided to stay up and watch the Royal Wedding on TV after all. Somehow, it just isn't the same to watch a repeat later. Got an hour's sleep before getting up at 4:00 a.m.. I thought it was a beautiful occasion (they were blessed with sunshine, too!) and Kate's wedding dress was fairly simple and elegant, and perfect for her. A delightful occasion - the endless crowds of excited and happy onlookers showed how much they love their Royal family .... but now, let the media coverage stop, please!