Olympic equestrian Zara Tindall, 38, has been married to ex-England rugby star Mike Tindall, 40, for eight years. While Zara was raised without an official title, as the Queen’s eldest grandchild she warranted a spectacular ceremony. Zara honoured royal traditions in several ways on her big day including with her bridal bouquet.

Zara and Mike tied the knot at Edinburgh’s Canongate Kirk on July 30, 2011.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled to Scotland specially for their granddaughter’s big day.

Zara stunned in a classic white wedding gown and the Greek ‘Key’ tiara, lent to her by her mother, Princess Anne.

As well as her gorgeous wedding dress Zara carried a spectacular bouquet that contained a royal favourite – lily of the valley.

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The delicate white bloom was nestled between pale green thistles to honour Scotland, calla lillies and hydrangeas.

While the hand-tied bouquet perfectly complimented Zara’s dress there was a poisonous truth behind it.

Lily of the valley symbolises happiness but despite its delicate appearance it has a toxic properties.

A gardening expert described the popular bridal bloom as “a potential villain” and has said in rare cases it can prove fatal.

Certified Urban Agriculturist Bonnie L. Grant told Gardening Know How: “Few spring flowers are as charming as the nodding, fragrant lily of the valley.

“These woodland flowers are native to Eurasia but have become very popular landscape plants in North America and many other regions.

“However, behind their cute exterior and pleasant scent lies a potential villain.

“Is lily of the valley safe for gardens? Lily of the valley toxicity makes it unsafe to have around children and pets.

“The plant is so dangerous that ingestion could result in a trip to the emergency room, or in rare cases death.”

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According to Ms Grant, the flower poses a particular risk to children and pets.

She added: “Sometimes the smallest organisms pack the biggest wallop. This is the case with lily of the valley.

“All parts of the plant are considered potentially toxic.

“The plant contains over 30 cardiac glycosides, many of which inhibit the heart’s pumping activity.

“Children and domestic pets are most commonly affected, but even a large man can be felled by the toxins.

“In a home landscape where there are no children or pets, lily of the valley is probably safe.

“However, once you add little ones, cats and inquisitive dogs to the equation, the potential for danger increases.”

While the flower would have to be eaten to cause a real threat it can also cause skin reactions.

Ms Grant added: “It doesn’t matter if only the flowers are eaten or if the entire stem or roots are consumed.”

Zara is by no means the only royal bride to have used lily of the valley in her bouquet.

Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie are among a string of royal brides who have favoured the poisonous bloom among their wedding flowers.

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