The Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton
On the morning of April 29th in 2011, the world held its breath and waited to get its first glimpse of the most anticipated dress of the decade. As Kate Middleton stepped out of her car, a sigh of relief echoed around the world; she looked every inch the princess we had hoped for. Kate Middleton, born Catherine, lived every little girl’s dream. At St Andrew’s University in Edinburgh, she met and fell in love with a handsome young man, who just happened to be Prince William, third in line to the throne.
The True Romance
With Kate’s synastry Venus falling into the First House of William, it’s no surprise that he found her charm irresistible! Their fairy-tale romance held the world captive as the papers reported every loving embrace, every night out, and every argument. When the announcement of their engagement came, there was jubilation across the country. Upholding the old tradition, artists of all kinds commemorated the event in their creative work, so one can only guess how many new love poems were dedicated to Kate and William by their ardent admirers blessed by poetic talent, and how many of them rhymed like classic English poetry.
The Arrival
As she stepped out of the black Rolls-Royce to enter Westminster Abbey and tie the knot arranged by the benevolent stars, she carried the hopes of many on her shoulders. Not only was she a “commoner” who was becoming a real-life princess, but she was also a second chance for the royal family to get it right. Her would-be mother-in-law, Lady Diana Spencer, tragically died before Prince William could introduce Kate to the love of his life. Kate carried the people’s hope that this time, the mantle of the people’s princess would live on through her.
As journalists from all over the world pointed out, Kate looked every inch the people’s princess as the world finally saw the dress it had been waiting for; a stunning lace Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown with long lace sleeves. Of course, no one can forget her equally stunning sister whose gown caused quite a stir and arguably stole the show on the walk into the church. The dress, with a train of over two meters, has been a fashion statement since the moment Kate stepped from the car.
The Ceremony
Prince William looked as fantastic as Kate in his brilliant red Irish Guards uniform. His blue sash indicated that he is a member of the Order of the Garter. Side by side, the couple looked relaxed and happy as they made their vows in front of 1,900 guests. The only tense moment came when Prince William seemed unable to slide the ring onto Kate’s finger. The vows were traditional, except for the section where Kate did not promise to “obey” her husband, choosing instead a modern variation where they both promised to “love, comfort and keep” each other.
The newlywed couple left the church at 12.15 pm to the tune of The Crown Imperial, which also played when Prince William’s mother and father were married. The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled in style in a 1902 State Landau carriage through the streets of London where the British public roared, waved, smiled, and applauded their approval of the newlyweds.
The Buckingham Palace Kiss
Finally, in a nod to a tradition started by his late mother, Prince William and Kate appeared on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to share a now world-famous kiss. RAF planes soared overhead, and the people across the country sobbed tears of happiness for the prince and his bride. The couple then retreated inside for a special meal with just 600 of their closest friends. Kate slipped into a more comfortable but equally gorgeous evening gown by the same designer as her wedding dress, and the couple ate a cake made of William’s childhood favorite food: McVities’ biscuits!