The Royal Wedding of a Lifetime
April 29, 2011 was a momentous occasion for the people of Britain. It was on that day that Prince William was wed to Catherine Middleton. They were together for seven years prior to their wedding and have known each other since 2001 while both were studying at St. Andrew’s University.
Their engagement was announced on October 20, 2010 and was formally announced on November 16 of he same year. Ever since then, the preparations and media frenzy for the upcoming nuptials never ceased. Though the Prince was only second in line for the throne, the celebration was no less spectacular.
The service took place in Westminster Abbey, formally known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. It has been witness to many royal affairs throughout its history that spans more than a thousand years. The royal couple came to the Abbey through a special route from Buckingham Palace and through Clarence House, The Mall, Horse Guards Parade and White hall. The same route was taken on their journey back to the Palace. The service started at 11:00 am local time and ended promptly at 12:15 pm.
Kate Middleton was a stunning bride in a dress designed by Sarah Burton, a British designer. The lace was hand-made by the royal School of Needlework and the designed was appliquéd using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique. She also sported a tiara on loan form the Queen herself. The Prince wore the full dress uniform of the Irish Guards, with the rank of Colonel, instead of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy of Army. Her Majesty The Queen wore a dress designed by Angela Kelly while the Duchess of Cornwall wore one by Anna Valentine.
Instead of the traditional supporter, the groom had a best man, his brother Prince Harry. The bride named her sister, Pippa Middleton, as her maid of honor. They also had four bridesmaids and two pageboys.
Before the service, Queen Elizabeth II conferred a Dukedom to her beloved Grandson. Thus, his titles have now become Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus. Kate Middleton did not receive the moniker Princess Kate. Instead her full style is now Princess William Arthur Philip Louis, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus. However, her less formal style is Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.
After the royal wedding, the Queen gave a Reception at Buckingham Palace. 650 guests who represented the couple’s official and private lives attended it. Ten thousand canapés were prepared together with the wedding cake, designed by Fiona Cairns, which was created from 17 fruitcakes and was built with eight tiers.
The festivities ended with the kiss on the balcony. The couple was presented to the public at Buckingham Palace overlooking The Mall. There was also the traditional fly-over wherein planes from the Royal Air Force flew past the gathering. Among the planes were a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft all part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Two Tornado GR4s and two Typhoons followed the historic planes.
Royal wedding video: highlights of the ceremony of the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton