It is not an easy time for Prince William and Kate Middleton. It was earlier this year that the Princess of Wales underwent mysterious abdominal surgery. Later, she herself announced that the intervention revealed that she suffers from cancer. Due to the illness, the couple is away from the media spotlight, and the heir to the throne has also reduced his professional commitments to be by his wife’s side. This Monday, however, the couple has reasons to celebrate, since they will celebrate thirteen years of marriage.
The wedding between Kate and William was historic. The two were married on April 29, 2011. Around 2,000 guests attended the wedding venue, Westminster Abbey, among whom were representatives from several countries, as well as dozens of well-known faces. In addition, the link brought together 22 million viewers in front of television. The celebration generated great expectation in British society.
In addition to well-known faces, friends and family of the couple also gathered at the wedding. Among them was Kate’s bridesmaid and sister, Pippa Middleton, who caused a stir with her beautiful white wedding dress, and Prince Harry, who was William’s best man. Only years later, with the publication of her memoirs, In the Shadow, did we learn that she was not actually one, since her friends James Meade and Thomas van Straubenzee were.
As for Kate’s wedding dress, which caused a huge sensation, it is believed to have cost Carole and Michael Middleton £250,000. The piece featured handmade lace created by the Royal School of Needlework and a Victorian-inspired ivory satin corset bodice that was “narrow at the waist and padded at the hips,” Palacio said at the time. It was finished with 58 organza-covered buttons and a skirt that “echoes an opening flower.” Kate looked spectacular on one of the most important days of her life.
For his part, William looked elegant in his red uniform of the Irish Guards, his highest-ranking military position, but it was not his first choice. He later admitted that his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was behind the decision. “I wanted to decide what to wear to the wedding. They gave me a categorical answer: ‘No, you’ll wear this!'” journalist Robert Hardman told MailOnline, quoting the prince.
Regarding the arrival of both, the bride while heading from the Goring Hotel to Westminster Abbey in the back of a Rolls Royce Phantom VI. For his part, William was all smiles upon his arrival as he waved to the crowd alongside Prince Harry, who was wearing a black military uniform. It was the bride’s father who walked her down the aisle and later joked with Guillermo at the altar. “We were just supposed to have a little family affair,” he said, according to lip-reading experts.
Later, the couple said ‘I do’ in front of their families and faces like Charlene and Alberto de Monaco and Victoria and David Beckham, among many others. Afterwards, 650 guests headed to Buckingham Palace to continue the celebrations at a lunchtime reception, hosted by the late Elizabeth II. There, the happy couple delighted fans by kissing on the balcony on two occasions, amidst cheers and applause from the assembled public. Without a doubt, it was a day to remember.
