It's
hard to believe it's been a year since William and Kate exchanged their
vows. It's been an incredible year for the couple personally and as
royals. I thought it would be fitting to look back at the unforgettable
wedding and the moments leading up to it. On
the 27th of April 2011 Kate left her family home in Berkshire for the
last time as Kate Middleton. A smiling Kate travelled to royal residence
Clarence House.
The
day before the wedding Kate was joined by Prince Harry, Carole and
Pippa Middleton for the final wedding rehearsal. Already crowds had
lined the streets for a glimpse of the bride. With the wedding less than
24 hours away Kate showed no signs of nerves.
Kate
ordered more than four tons of foliage including eight, twenty foot
high trees to recreate an English country garden inside Westminster
Abbey.
Kate worked closely with 'floral artistic director' Shane Connolly. He said it was a 'delight to work with someone as interested and lovely as Catherine'. Kate hoped the complete look would 'pay tribute to the language of flowers'.
Kate spent the night at the beautiful Goring Hotel and William stayed at Clarence House. Quite late in the evening William and Harry went for an unplanned walkabout to meet people who were gathered near Buckingham Palace. William chatted to fans and was concerned about them being cold outside. A lovely gesture by the Prince. You can watch the video here.
More than 1,000 of the 1,900 guests were close friends. William and Kate were determined that despite the public interest and scale of the wedding their closest friends and family would have the best seats.
A marching band paraded along the mall before the wedding.
Meanwhile outside the Goring Hotel staff hand out refreshments to fans and members of the media.
A look at the press, each photographer waiting to take the perfect shot of Kate.
Prince William arrives at Westminster Abbey wearing his Irish Guards uniform.
Accompanied by Prince Harry, the two make their way inside.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie arrive. Two of the most talked about guests at the event.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall wave at the crowds.
The Queen arrives dressed in yellow. It is announced at this time that Her Majesty has decided to give William and Kate the following titles: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Earl and Countess of Strathearn and Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus.
Bridesmaids and page boys arrive. (Could they be any cuter?)
All guests are seated and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride.
Kate's younger sister and bridesmaid Pippa arrives. Pippa gained fans worldwide and became known as 'Her Royal Hotness' in the press.
Kate left the Goring with her father Mike and we got the first glimpse of her wedding gown.
Kate travels the short distance waving at the screaming crowds.
Kate looks very excited and relaxed.
Kate's younger sister and bridesmaid Pippa arrives. Pippa gained fans worldwide and became known as 'Her Royal Hotness' in the press.
Kate travels the short distance waving at the screaming crowds.
Kate looks very excited and relaxed.
Kate steps out of the car at Westminster Abbey
It is revealed Kate's stunning gown was created by Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen. The ivory and satin gown featured delicate lace detailing and a 9ft train. Kate also wore a 1936 Cartier tiara given to her by the Queen. You can watch the video of Kate arriving here.
Kate walks up the aisle.
When William sees Kate he turns to her and says 'You look lovely, you look beautiful'.
Mike Middleton proudly gives away his eldest daughter. You can watch the video of the ceremony here.
The newlyweds leave the Abbey.
The wedding ceremony was watched by over two billion people.
Carole Middleton, the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall discuss the wedding.
The Captain's Escort of the Household Cavalry leads the couple to the Palace.
William helps his wife down from the carriage.
The couple pose for the official wedding photographs.
With their families.
The couple then walked out on the balcony at Buckingham Palace where they watched three Royal Air Force planes fly past.
The couple then walked out on the balcony at Buckingham Palace where they watched three Royal Air Force planes fly past.
Kate consoles bridesmaid Grace Van Custem who is not impressed with the noise :)
William turns to Kate 'Shall we? Shall we kiss? After a brief peck the crowd decide another kiss is in order :) You can watch the video here.
Kate looks back at the crowds before leaving the balcony.
The couple surprised onlookers with an impromptu drive around the palace in Prince Charles' Aston Martin Volante.
The car was decorated with ribbons and the number plate read JU5T WED.
Kate changes into a strapless Sarah Burton gown and William into a black suit.
A closer look at the dress.
The couple leave Clarence House for the reception where they danced to Ellie Goulding's 'Your Song'. The reception lasted until the early hours of the morning.
The wedding cake.
William and Kate's wedding was an iconic, momentous day and no doubt the wedding of the century.
Happy 1st Anniversary William and Kate!
