It is the Month of April and what better way to celebrate wedding season than to look back on some famous historical weddings. Over the past few weeks, we have taken a glimpse at some of the most world-renowned weddings. Today we conclude our Famous Historical April Weddings sequel with the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
THE WEDDING
On April 29th, 2011 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge got married at Westminster Abbey in London. The venue was significant to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge because that was where the Prince's grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were married (November 20, 1947) and where his mother's funeral service was held (1997).
Nearly 1,900 guests attended the wedding, including heads of state of the Commonwealth, crown royals from around the world, and friends and family of the couple. The wedding was televised and live-streamed across various platforms for the world to see. Prime Minister David Cameron proclaimed their wedding day to be a national holiday. However, the wedding was dubbed a "semi-state wedding" rather than a formal state occasion because Prince William, Duke of Cambridge was neither the sovereign nor the direct heir to the throne.
THE WEDDING GOWN
Sarah Burton, who took over as creative director of Alexander McQueen after the designer's death in 2010, designed a floor-length ivory dress for the bride. The wedding gown was traditional with a modern twist. The design of the gown was influenced by American actress, Grace Kelly as mentioned in our previous blogpost. (Read Actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco Wedding)
The long-sleeved dress, which narrowed at the waist and was padded at the hip (a signature of Alexander McQueen's design), was made of white satin gazar and featured a lace-applique bodice that was handmade, along with the skirt, by the Royal School of Needlework. The skirt of ivory silk tulle incorporated the symbolic rose of England, thistle of Scotland, daffodil of Wales, and shamrock of Ireland. Her train measured 2.7 meters.
Kate Middleton now the Duchess of Cambridge's veil was made of Chantilly lace.
THE TIARA
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a Cartier halo diamond tiara that was made in 1936 and given to Queen Elizabeth II by her mother.
THEIR LOVE STORY
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge first met nearly a decade before their wedding when they both attended the Scottish University of St. Andrews. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's relationship went public in 2004 when the two were spotted together on a ski trip in Klosters, Switzerland. Although the couple separated briefly in 2007, they reunited and got engaged in 2010.
The couple has three children together. Prince George of Cambridge (aged 7), Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (aged 5), and Prince Louis of Cambridge (aged 3).
THE WEDDING RING
The couple will be celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary tomorrow (Thursday, April 29th, 2021). Tin is the traditional 10th wedding anniversary gift. Its strength and durability symbolize a marriage that's stood the test of time. Their relationship has certainly stood the test of time although we hope that the Duke opts for a far more sparkly gift.
Are there any other famous weddings you would like to know about? Let us know. Click the comments button below.
