{"id":2384907,"date":"2026-04-22T21:23:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T21:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2384907"},"modified":"2026-04-22T21:23:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T21:23:47","slug":"18-tiny-details-you-probably-missed-about-prince-william-and-kate-middletons-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/18-tiny-details-you-probably-missed-about-prince-william-and-kate-middletons-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Tiny Details You Probably Missed About Prince William and Kate Middleton\u2019s Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The groom was \u201cshattered\u201d (in a good way)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">William looked his best self on his wedding day\u2014but the truth is he was utterly \u201cshattered\u201d (as the British call being completely exhausted). The future king spent his last night as a bachelor at <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/where-does-the-royal-family-live\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:his father\u2019s residence;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">his father\u2019s residence<\/a>, Clarence House, but barely slept a wink as crowds of fans were camping just a stone\u2019s throw away to secure their spots for the next day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThey were singing and cheering all night long, so the excitement of that, the nervousness of me and everyone singing\u2014I slept for about half an hour,\u201d William revealed in the ITV documentary <i>Elizabeth: Queen, Wife, Mother<\/i>, produced in honor of Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s Diamond Jubilee.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Royal Wedding<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">His brother may have had a bit of a limp<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">William\u2019s now <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/william-and-harrys-relationship\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:estranged brother;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">estranged brother<\/a> wasn\u2019t much better off. If it appeared that Prince Harry was walking with a bit of a limp, it\u2019s probably because he was. At 3 a.m., just eight hours before the wedding ceremony began, the pair reportedly left Goring Hotel for Clarence House after some pre-wedding drinks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">According to media reports, Harry jumped out of one of the hotel\u2019s balconies and landed badly on his ankle. Ouch. It goes without saying that the incident didn\u2019t stop him from joking about <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/prince-william-nickname\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Prince William\u2019s secret nickname;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Prince William\u2019s secret nickname<\/a> at the wedding party later in the day.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - The Gold Package\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/OgZPYCrfDPZzCY_9VyAJLg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/c66c19bfa267bafb4f0c649d4f06c1e2\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; The Gold Package<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Harry wasn\u2019t actually William\u2019s best man<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The palace announced Harry as William\u2019s best man, but as it later turned out, the story was made up. \u201cHarry was the fake best man. It seems he acted as a cover for the men that actually shared the role,\u201d Fitzwilliams explains. Harry himself called the act a \u201cbare-faced lie\u201d in his memoire <em>Spare<\/em><em>,<\/em> revealing the subterfuge was intended to give the public what they \u201cexpected.\u201d In reality, two guys called James Meade and Thomas van Straubenzee, civilian friends of the groom, were William\u2019s best men.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cHad they been outed \u2026 <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/why-british-tabloids-are-more-extreme-than-americas\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:the rabid press would\u2019ve chased them;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">the rabid press would\u2019ve chased them<\/a>, tracked them, hacked them, investigated them, ruined their families\u2019 lives,\u201d Harry claims in his book. \u201cBoth chaps were shy, quiet. They couldn\u2019t handle such an onslaught, and shouldn\u2019t be expected to.\u201d The deal was sealed amicably behind closed doors, he added: \u201cWe even had a laugh about it, speculating about the inappropriate things I might\u2019ve said in my speech.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"The Wedding of Prince William with Catherine Middleton - Westminster Abbey\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/xfbbWP72EfxppnB7L_TYBA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/c9bc1983695d201cd528bd359df0d9bf\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Wedding of Prince William with Catherine Middleton &#8211; Westminster Abbey<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The groom didn\u2019t get to wear what he wanted<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As with everything to do with the royal family, Kate and William\u2019s wedding was perfectly choreographed and in line with strict <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/royal-family-etiquette\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:royal etiquette rules;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">royal etiquette rules<\/a> and dress codes. And that included the bride\u2019s and groom\u2019s outfits, which had to get approved by the queen. While William stunned in his bright red Irish Guards Colonel uniform, he would have rather said \u201cI do\u201d in a more subtle suit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cWilliam wanted to marry in his favorite dark Household Cavalry frock coat, but the queen told him to wear the Irish Guards Colonel one,\u201d Fitzwilliams says. \u201cShe had the last word.\u201d The clash left William frustrated, but, as the royal expert says, \u201cthe queen made the right choice as the uniform was a better fit for the occasion.\u201d Luckily for Kate, Elizabeth didn\u2019t have any doubts about her Alexander McQueen dress (or her <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/kate-middleton-second-wedding-dress\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:secret second dress;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">secret second dress<\/a>).<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"UK- &quot;Wedding of Prince William &amp; Kate Middleton&quot;- Procession\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"454\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/5CnVpjHGcmfqkOY50qQkeA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/05d148c6877d8eb3a19724e5b51a3501\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>UK- &#8220;Wedding of Prince William &amp; Kate Middleton&#8221;- Procession<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Kate arrived in a Rolls-Royce that was damaged in a student protest<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/kate-middletons-royal-transformation\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Kate Middleton;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kate Middleton<\/a> decided against riding in the Glass Coach, the royal carriage that has traditionally carried brides to the ceremony, including when Diana wed Charles and the queen said \u201cyes\u201d to Prince Philip. \u201cHer choice was a clear break from tradition,\u201d says Fitzwilliams.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Kate opted for a 1997 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI with, dare we say, an interesting backstory: The year before the wedding, <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/why-charles-didnt-marry-camilla-first\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Charles and Camilla;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Charles and Camilla<\/a> had used it to drive to the <em>Royal Variety Performance<\/em>, an annual televised charity event in London. On the way, the pair ended up in the middle of a student protest, which saw the car splattered with white paint and a window cracked. It goes without saying that everything was fixed well before the royal wedding.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"The Royal Wedding\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/bpXFgoPp73Idbp672DPIbw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/cb643786ec188914aa4abb164aef7d61\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Royal Wedding<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The bride\u2019s earrings paid tribute to her family heritage<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Kate\u2019s tiara was as much talked about as her dress. Designed by Cartier, the precious piece, featuring almost 900 diamonds, is known as the \u201cHalo Tiara\u201d or the \u201cScroll Tiara.\u201d It was loaned to her by none other than <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/one-thing-prince-william-misses-most-about-queen-elizabeth\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Queen Elizabeth;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Queen Elizabeth<\/a>, who received it on her 18th birthday from her mother (who received it as a gift from her husband King George VI in 1936).<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Equally eye-catching were Kate\u2019s earrings\u2014but their story is much less well known: Kate\u2019s \u201csomething new\u201d was a wedding gift from her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and designed by London-based Robinson Pelham to perfectly <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/princess-kate-wearing-princess-diana-tiara\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:complement the tiara;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">complement the tiara<\/a>. The earrings featured acorns and oak leaves, which are part of the Middletons\u2019 family crest. Pelham also designed the earrings for Kate\u2019s sister, Pippa Middleton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"The Wedding of Prince William with Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/B32W5TyRV2krbhUhJxLnVA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/6736f5e92bf26c871be199ffce02ee6d\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Wedding of Prince William with Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Kate\u2019s bouquet included a sweet nod to William<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For the ceremony, Kate carried a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, Sweet William, ivy, myrtle and hyacinth. Yes, you read that right\u2014Sweet William! The nod to her husband-to-be couldn\u2019t have been any cuter. The other flower with special significance\u2014myrtle\u2014has been a royal wedding tradition since the wedding of Princess Vicky (the eldest daughter of <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/royals-who-married-their-relatives\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Queen Victoria and Prince Albert;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Queen Victoria and Prince Albert<\/a>), according to the official website of the royal family.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Myrtle, which represents love, fertility and innocence, has been grown on royal grounds since 1845, when Albert\u2019s grandmother gave Victoria her first myrtle plant. The bouquet wasn\u2019t the only flowery message Kate sent on her big day. \u201cShe used a perfume that was similar to Diana\u2019s on her wedding day,\u201d reveals Fitzwilliams.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - The Gold Package\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/61qrCC5k0UML61zjauhH.w--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/d475bf90c00cff3cebc3e03e73f7e678\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; The Gold Package<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The celebrity guests had a very early start<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The wedding didn\u2019t start until 11 a.m., but that didn\u2019t mean that all the invited politicians and royal and celebrity guests could sleep in. In fact, they were instructed to arrive promptly at 8:15! This included big names such as David and Victoria Beckham and Sir Elton John, though major heads of state had later arrival times. In total, around 1,900 guests filled the abbey. Seats weren\u2019t a free-for-all though, as Fitzwilliams points out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThere\u2019s a <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/wedding-etiquette\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:strict protocol in place;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">strict protocol in place<\/a>, so while coming slightly earlier than anyone else might put you in the front row at a regular wedding, this certainly wasn\u2019t the case here,\u201d he says, adding a fun fact about one of the celebrity royal guests: \u201cDavid Beckham wore his Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal on the wrong lapel, right instead of left.\u201d (The ex-soccer star quickly adjusted it when he noticed.) Considering Beckham was knighted in 2025, it seems safe to say that this little mishap wouldn\u2019t happen to him these days.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Anwar Hussein Archive\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/HtpOC4X5b2DiH80t.Emn6g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/b4024c1948aa4f5daed7bfab2dbaab08\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Anwar Hussein Archive<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Kate got a new (gold) nugget<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Following royal tradition, the wedding ring William placed on Kate\u2019s finger during the ceremony had been fashioned from a nugget of Welsh gold. According to reports, it was not, however, made from the same nugget used for the queen\u2019s own wedding band and those of her mother, sister and daughter, as well as Diana. The simple reason: There wasn\u2019t enough left of that nugget to make another ring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Fitzwilliams says it\u2019s \u201clikely\u201d that the same nugget Kate\u2019s ring was made of will be used again when her daughter Charlotte marries one day (and maybe gets the <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/princess-charlotte-royal-title\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:fancy title Charles reportedly saved for her;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">fancy title Charles reportedly saved for her<\/a>).<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - Carriage Procession To Buckingham Palace And Departures\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/ehs.qSYZ7PrEqPiGJxHcHw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/cb0ba93465853db7b537650e45790d4b\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; Carriage Procession To Buckingham Palace And Departures<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The bride did not vow to obey her husband<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The now Princess of Wales did not promise to obey her husband, the Prince of Wales, at their wedding ceremony. Like her late mother-in-law, Diana, who was the first to break the tradition, she dropped the small bit from her vows (<a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/meghan-markle-nickname-for-prince-harry\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Meghan Markle;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Meghan Markle<\/a> did the same when she wed Harry).<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThe idea that a wife should obey her husband is from a past era, so it wasn\u2019t very surprising that Kate decided to not use it,\u201d Fitzwilliams says. \u201cWhile in reality it really is just a bridal tradition these days and doesn\u2019t mean anything anyway, Kate was well aware that people would pay attention in her case and that it would be seen as a statement in the feminist era.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"The Royal Wedding\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/FRguAbU14smYNxaiDhNtxQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/bd6f4f6444ecd2ec6ba19609b9d9a3f9\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>The Royal Wedding<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Kate and William copied parts of Diana\u2019s wedding playlist<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><span>When choosing the songs for their big day, the pair took inspiration from Diana and Charles\u2019s wedding on July 29, 1981. Both couples played <em>Prelude on Rhosymedre<\/em> by Ralph Vaughan William, along with classic tunes by Edward Elgar. The couple\u2019s first dance post-ceremony was to \u201cYour Song\u201d by Elton John (a close friend of William\u2019s mother), and later during the party <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" class=\"link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/kate-william-wedding-song\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Kate and William surprised their guests;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\">Kate and William surprised their guests<\/a> by lip-syncing and dancing away to a fun song from the musical <i>Grease<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Two young girls stand in white dresses with flower crowns, beside adults in formal, military attire, in an ornate room with red carpet.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"679\" height=\"671\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/0y52sDKUxUbu8vszblur2A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk0OTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/84e53751036b8f5266677be0888eccce\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Two young girls stand in white dresses with flower crowns, beside adults in formal, military attire, in an ornate room with red carpet.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">A bright pink wiggly worm crashed the official photos<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Three-year-old bridesmaid Eliza Lopes, granddaughter of Queen Camilla, refused to relinquish a bright pink fuzzy worm-like toy on Kate and William\u2019s big day, including when the official wedding photos were taken. Camilla later remarked that she had been \u201cterribly worried\u201d in advance that the wedding would be overwhelming for <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/who-each-of-the-royal-kids-looks-like\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:little Eliza and the other young children;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">little Eliza and the other young children<\/a>. So it was fun-loving Harry to the rescue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Apparently, he took his stepmother\u2019s concerns to heart and came prepared. When Eliza appeared to be frightened by the roar of the crowds outside Westminster Abbey, he pulled the toy out of his pocket to distract the girl. Trouble is, Eliza liked it so much, she couldn\u2019t be persuaded to put it down for the photos.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - The Wedding Ceremony Takes Place Inside Westminster Abbey\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4SpQL_Z.xu1wuKTllCoVlg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/9e29625a3248c85460dfc6977e5fb231\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; The Wedding Ceremony Takes Place Inside Westminster Abbey<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">An abbey staffer entertained the crowd with (un-royal) cartwheels<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Kate\u2019s and William\u2019s wedding got the whole world excited, and it seems one guy working at Westminster Abbey was well among the joyful crowd. \u201cWhen most of the guests had already left the abbey, one staffer performed several cartwheels on the red carpet,\u201d Fitzwilliams reveals. The man was later identified as Ben Sheward, a verger (similar to an usher) at the ceremony. His impromptu performance went viral thanks to an ITV staffer pointing his camera just the right way at the right moment. Unsurprisingly, the abbey\u2019s press office wasn\u2019t thrilled, insisting \u201cit was after the wedding had long finished.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - The Gold Package\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/cB0zxnUE9hS5Srveyn69hg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/a82b09330f3402e0ff64176322f64fbd\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; The Gold Package<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The post-ceremony procession hit a SNAFU<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Five horse-drawn carriages as well as numerous horses ridden by well-practiced riders accompanied the wedding party to Buckingham Palace for the official reception. But the special occasion didn\u2019t stop one of the horses from getting spooked and throwing its rider to the ground while the Cambridge newlyweds looked on in shock.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">To make it even worse, the horse broke free <em>again<\/em> once the rider, back on his feet, had quickly pulled it to the side, and the horse ran past the wedding carriage. Luckily, while the incident made it on the list of the <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/list\/royal-wedding-mishaps-totally-true\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:most bizarre royal wedding mishaps;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">most bizarre royal wedding mishaps<\/a>, no one (including the horse) was injured.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - The Newlyweds Greet Wellwishers From The Buckingham Palace Balcony\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/xDhZKcAzpyEkJGlx_.Fckw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/f6d89ae3deb99a973457b2cc09fa37f4\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; The Newlyweds Greet Wellwishers From The Buckingham Palace Balcony<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">There was a surprise fly-by from the Royal Air Force<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Prince William was a passionate Royal Air Force helicopter pilot for years, including for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where he flew rescue missions for two years before stepping down in July 2017. When visiting a RAF base near Oxford in 2025, he called flying his \u201chappy place\u201d and revealed he still flies regularly in his spare time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">So it seems only fitting that the RAF made a surprise appearance at his wedding. \u201cThe RAF made a flypast over The Mall when William and Catherine made their way from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House,\u201d Fitzwilliams says. What\u2019s more: \u201cSome of his closest colleagues from his RAF times also received surprise invites to the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Newlywed Royals Leave Wedding Reception\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/73FBKtYKT3maeCX9YlPP_w--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/a344d44ab27825d34a86c1de56172614\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Newlywed Royals Leave Wedding Reception<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">William drove his father\u2019s car with the handbrake on<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After the reception at Buckingham Palace, the bride and groom drove off to the next one at Clarence House in an Aston Martin DB6 belonging to <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/king-charles-portrait\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:now-King Charles;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">now-King Charles<\/a>. Unfortunately for the Aston Martin, William, who was at the wheel, forgot to release the handbrake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The car was Charles\u2019s 21st birthday gift from Elizabeth, so we can imagine he wasn\u2019t too happy when watching the scene. And William was most likely embarrassed when his driving mishap was later revealed by royal photographer Arthur Edwards on the BBC\u2019s <em>Desert Island Discs<\/em> program. The good news is: No great damage was done.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - Carriage Procession To Buckingham Palace And Departures\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"681\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/0fFrYoO7WZtcxokYK2wlRw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/2bc99cb12f32991384d01a61ef337d13\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; Carriage Procession To Buckingham Palace And Departures<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Guests received wedding invitations from the queen, not the bride and groom<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When being invited to a wedding, you\u2019d expect to hear from the happy couple themselves. Not so, though, if you\u2019re attending a royal wedding. Kate and William\u2019s roughly 1,900 guests all received letters from <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/article\/where-is-queen-elizabeth-buried\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Queen Elizabeth,;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Queen Elizabeth,<\/a> as is tradition in the royal family. The story goes that before the invites were sent out, the couple were shocked when given a \u201csuggested guest list\u201d full of names they didn\u2019t recognize.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">According to reports, the queen told them to \u201crip it up\u201d and make a new one, with their friends on the very top of the list\u2014though obviously, Kate and William weren\u2019t completely free to choose their wedding crowd. \u201cConsidering this was a royal wedding, there were of course a lot of people that had to be invited, including [\u2026] politicians and ambassadors,\u201d Fitzwilliams says. \u201cEven if they had wanted to, Kate and William couldn\u2019t have removed them from the list.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Royal Wedding - The Newlyweds Greet Wellwishers From The Buckingham Palace Balcony\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/PZOwJghWCN2XrcxT6yC3ng--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/reader_s_digest_624\/204fc170643572e6ef201de9609ad9ea\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Royal Wedding &#8211; The Newlyweds Greet Wellwishers From The Buckingham Palace Balcony<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Her Royal Grumpiness (almost) stole the show<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace, the wedding party gathered on a balcony to greet the public\u2014and stage a kiss. It\u2019s always a memorable moment, but in this case, it was made even more memorable thanks to one of the young bridesmaids, Grace Van Cutsem, who is William\u2019s goddaughter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Completely unimpressed by the spectacle, the then-3-year-old pulled a face and covered her ears while Kate and William were kissing. The \u201cgrumpy flower girl,\u201d as she was nicknamed, now lives a quiet life as a high school girl away from the spotlight.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Why trust us<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Reader\u2019s Digest<\/em> has published hundreds of stories on the British royal family, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating facets of the monarchy. We regularly cover topics including the latest royal news, the history and meaning behind time-honored traditions, and the everyday quirks of everyone\u2019s favorite family members, from Queen Elizabeth\u2019s daily snack to Prince William\u2019s confessions about his home life. We\u2019re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers\u2019 personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on Kate and William\u2019s wedding details, Astrid Hofer tapped her experience as a London-based journalist with more than 20 years of experience covering topics including the British royal family. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/our-editorial-team\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:team;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">team<\/a>, our contributors and our <a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/about-readers-digest\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:editorial policies;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">editorial policies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Sources:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\"\/>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.royal.uk\/wedding-prince-william-and-miss-catherine-middleton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Royal.uk;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Royal.uk<\/a>: \u201cThe wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\"\/>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\"\/>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-13248642\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:BBC;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">BBC<\/a>: \u201cRoyal wedding: in numbers\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vanityfair.com\/style\/2021\/04\/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-wedding-royal-media-obsession\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Vanity Fair;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Vanity Fair<\/a><\/em>: \u201cHow Kate Middleton and Prince William\u2019s wedding ushered in the modern-day royal media obsession\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marieclaire.co.uk\/news\/celebrity-news\/prince-william-slept-for-just-half-an-hour-the-night-of-his-wedding-to-kate-middleton-154140\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Marie Claire;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>Marie Claire<\/em><\/a>: \u201cPrince William slept for just half an hour the night of his wedding to Kate Middleton\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vogue.co.uk\/article\/kate-middleton-cartier-halo-wedding-tiara\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:British Vogue;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>British Vogue<\/em><\/a>: \u201cThe Story Behind Kate Middleton\u2019s Dazzling Wedding Tiara\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2011\/05\/05\/can-you-spot-the-unexpected-guest-in-the-official-royal-wedding-photos_n_7409772.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Huffpost UK;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">celebrity.land UK<\/a>: \u201cCan you spot the unexpected guest in the official royal wedding photos?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/news\/uknews\/royal-wedding\/8483481\/Royal-wedding-procession-rider-thrown-from-horse.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Telegraph;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>Telegraph<\/em><\/a>: \u201cRoyal wedding: procession rider thrown from horse\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a target=\"_blank\" data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk\/2011\/sep\/25\/william-wedding-day-aston-martin-handbrake\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Guardian;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>Guardian<\/em><\/a>: \u201cWilliam\u2019s wedding day blunder: driving father\u2019s prized car with handbrake on\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\"\/><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source sg.news.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The groom was \u201cshattered\u201d (in a good way) William looked his best self on his wedding day\u2014but the truth is he was utterly \u201cshattered\u201d (as the British call being completely exhausted). The future king spent his last night as a bachelor at his father\u2019s residence, Clarence House, but barely slept a wink as crowds of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2384908,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[397480,368145,464754,41760,378429,22730,317755,29957],"class_list":["post-2384907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-royalty","tag-carole-middleton","tag-clarence-house","tag-fitzwilliams","tag-kate","tag-pippa-middleton","tag-prince-harry","tag-royal-wedding","tag-william"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/18-Tiny-Details-You-Probably-Missed-About-Prince-William-and.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2384907"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2384909,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384907\/revisions\/2384909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2384908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2384907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2384907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2384907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}