Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, left, share a kiss with the public on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London on Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo: CTV Ottawa.
Just one year ago, all around the world, billions watched with excitement as Prince William and Kate finally became ‘man and wife’ and emerged from the Abbey into the waiting carriage to process them through the streets of London to Buckingham Palace, delighting the crowds as they went.
It’s amazing to think that a year has already passed. Do you remember the thronging crowds and worldwide buzz, as Prince William and Kate stepped out and delighted all with their first public kiss as husband and wife?
Here’s a short video to remind you of that moment…enjoy!
And congratulations to the happy couple – wishing you many more years of happiness together.
The First Kiss – Video of Prince William and Kate kissing on the balcony, with Royal Family, watching the Fly Past:
Stunning videos of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the bride and groom, being escorted to Buckingham Palace:
Kate (The Duchess of Cambridge) has spent her first Valentine’s Day as a married woman, without her husband, Prince William. His deployment to the Falkland Islands has kept him away from her on the day that most couples look forward to stealing precious moments together. Instead of spending the day bemoaning his absence, Kate has been incredibly busy bringing joy into many peoples lives.
Kate’s solo engagement on Valentine’s Day involved touring charities in Liverpool.
Her first stop was an alcohol-free bar called ‘The Brink’ which was set up for recovering addicts. The bar is run by Action on Addiction – an organisation that helps addicts recover from drink and drug dependency. The Duchess of Cambridge is a patron of the charity.
Eight-year-old Jaqson Johnston-Lynch handed her red roses, a card and a cupcake iced with the words ‘Jaqson loves Kate’.
Jaqson, whose mother is the head of Action on Addiction, was nominated to meet Kate today.
Looking composed and relaxed, Kate shook hands with staff and met community leaders. Kate was serenaded by the bar’s resident choir – The Raucous Caucus Recovery Chorus (composed of recovering addicts) with a traditional native American Indian song entitled Wings Of A Dove.
Kate also visited Alder Hey chidren’s hospital, where the duchess spent around half an hour in the Oncology Unit, giving time to each patient and their family.
Alder Hey is one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals providing care for over 200,000 children and young people each year. Prince William opened its MRI facility during a visit to the hospital in February 2010.
Kate wowed the crowds that had gathered and ensured she had time for all the little well-wishers that queued to meet her, greeting them with big smiles and open arms.
This solo royal engagement was not Kate’s first, however, it was her most taxing. Kate passed the test with flying colours – the crowds really did love her and many people who were unsure of how Kate would fare as a royal were pleasantly surprised and indeed, had to concede that she is a natural.
The Duchess of Cambridge has started 2012 the way we’d all want to continue, with a deliciously luxurious trip to the stunning island of Mustique.
This exclusive millionaire paradise has it all – beautiful beaches, gourmet menus and that precious seclusion that only the elite can buy.
Kate has arrived in Mustique with her family, ahead of her husband, Prince William who will join her shortly. Prince William will soon be going to the Falkland Islands for 6 weeks, to complete a round of duty, so this trip will no doubt be extra-special for the couple who have been married for less than a year.
Mustique must be the place to be in 2012, just take a look at these stunning pics:
If you’re a US resident, not only are you lucky enough to have the gorgeous newly-weds stepping onto your lands, you’ve also got the chance to win a DVD of their stunning Royal Wedding, courtesy of the BBC.
For a chance to win the BBC’s DVD of The Royal Wedding, just enter your email address. All entries must be in by the end of their tour of Canada and the US – the 18th July 2011 (deadline was extended due to a technical difficulty with the website). A winner will be chosen on 19th July 2011 and notified by email within two weeks of the closing date.
And here are just a few more photos of that wonderful occasion, all courtesy of the BBC:
Take a look at them again, stepping onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the first time, as husband and wife. You can see that first kiss, all over again: click here to play video.
It’s only been a few days since the wedding day but it already feels like a distant memory.
We’re craving ways to remember the beautiful imagery of the day and the heartfelt emotions of the nation and people from all over the world.
Here’s a video from the Royal Channel, where you can watch Prince William and Kate reciting their marriage vows in Westminster Abbey – an emotional moment:
If you want a more substantial remembrance of the day, there are a number of videos, DVD’s and CD’s (some which come with a copy of the Order of Service at Westminster Abbey – watch the videos on the Amazon pages):
BBC DVD of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine. Join HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey as they celebrate the momentous occasion of their marriage. Relive and treasure their special day with this souvenir DVD, containing two hours of coverage from the BBC.
Includes Catherine’s breathtaking arrival at Westminster Abbey, the full ceremony, the carriage procession and the traditional balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace.
Special Features:
William & Kate – A Royal EngagementAn exclusive 50-minute extended version of the insightful documentary of their magical love story.
2. Royal Wedding Celebration DVD.The Royal Wedding – Celebration is a commemorative celebration of the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey.
On Friday the 29th April 2011 the nation will come together as one to celebrate a very special occasion and the eyes of the world will be upon us.From the excitement, expectation and joy of the crowds to the couple’s balcony appearance, this celebratory film brings all the official coverage of the day together in one memorable collection. In an uplifting, definitive and celebratory account of this truly historic and romantic event, no aspect of the day will be missed.
The story will embrace the reaction of the public, the arrival of Kate at the Abbey, the reveal of her dress, the bridesmaids, Prince Harry as Best Man, the service itself in full, the triumphant drive through the crowds back to Buckingham Palace and the balcony kiss.
Every highlight of this very special day will be captured for posterity–and for future generations to enjoy.
Narrated by Sir Trevor McDonald
Extras: The Official ITN Royal Engagement Interview, with Tom Bradby
After announcing their engagement Prince William and Kate Middleton gave their only interview to Tom Bradby. The couple spoke openly about the marriage proposal, the engagement ring, the moment they met each other’s families and their plans for children.
3.The Official Album of the Royal Wedding CD. The Royal Wedding – The Official Album is a unique memento of one of the most significant events in Britain’s modern history.
Featuring every aspect of the occasion, the album will include the music–old and new–the readings and blessings, and of course the exchange of vows between Prince William and Catherine Middleton in the historic Abbey on the day itself.
The music is provided by The Choir of Westminster Abbey, the London Chamber Orchestra, the State Trumpeters and the Trumpeters of the Central Band of the RAF.
If you’re in the US or Canada, here are a few more items you may be interested in:
It was such a fantastic occasion and we watched every documentary and film about the Royal family in the run-up to the wedding that we feel like we know them personally! We’ll keep you informed with any snippets of information about the newlyweds and provide as many pics and videos that we can.
Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, left, share a kiss with the public on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London on Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo: CTV Ottawa.
Breathtakingly beautiful, the bride stepped out of the car at the entrance of Westminster Abbey, her stunning Alexander McQueen dress and train billowing in the wind as she composed herself – and waved to the cheering crowds. Catherine Middleton, soon to be the wife of Prince William with a new title of the Duchess of Cambridge, was incredible to watch. She was perfect, the day was perfect and the wedding ceremony was mesmerising.
All around the world, billions watched with excitement as Prince William and Kate finally became ‘man and wife’ and emerged from the Abbey into the waiting carriage to process them through the streets of London to Buckingham Palace, delighting the crowds as they went.
And their final act of endearment were the two public kisses on the balcony, for the benefit of the massive crowds gathered outside the Palace, all awaiting their glimpse of the newlyweds.
If you missed it, take a look at the video footage available online – see the Royal Channel Youtube channel itself and leave a message for the couple.
It was a wonderful day – especially watching two people so obviously in love, make a commitment to each other for the rest of their lives.
The First Kiss – Video of Prince William and Kate kissing on the balcony, with Royal Family, watching the Fly Past:
Stunning videos of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the bride and groom, being escorted to Buckingham Palace:
The atmosphere is really building up here in London. There’s an air of excitement and anticipation, as people talk about the festivities, and wonder at the pageantry. There is also a real sense of happiness as people convey their best wishes to this young couple. If you’d like to send Prince William and Kate your wedding wishes, you can do so via their official Youtube page, The Royal Channel.
The Royal Channel will also give you access to the live broadcast of the Royal Wedding and an interactive Procession Map.
And with just 2 days to go before the Royal Wedding, London has been alive since the early hours with practice processions by the military on horseback. Here’s what Friday might look like – of course, it will be during daylight hours!:
Members of the Armed Forces turned out at 4.30am in full ceremonial uniform to march along the route they will take to Westminster Abbey on Friday.
Prince William is no doubt pleased that some his colleagues who are soldiers, sailors and airmen are involved in the rehearsals and of course, the wedding itself.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has completed a string of major rehearsals in Hyde Park. Credit: The British Monarchy, Lynne Draper.
There will be a music rehearsal later today at Westminster Abbey, where the wedding is being held, as the preparations continue in earnest. The flowers have already starting arriving; they include eight 20 feet-high trees: six English Field Maple and two Hornbeam. All trees used at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding will be growing in planters and were made by craftsmen at Highgrove, The Prince of Wales’s Residence in Gloucestershire.
There’s a buzz of excitement because at some stage tomorrow, Prince William and Kate Middleton will arrive at Westminster Abbey to attend a rehearsal of the ceremony. If we get a glimpse, all eyes will be looking to see how they’re faring in this extremely short run-up to their big day.
A seating plan has been released ahead of the royal wedding ceremony for Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29 April 2011. The couple’s nearest and dearest will be able to witness the wedding ceremony for themselves whilst more than 1,000 of those in the Abbey will have to rely upon video screens to follow the service.
However, if you look back to the wedding of Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) to Prince Philip in 1947, you’ll see that their nearest and dearest were even closer to the ceremony. The Queen Mother and the King, together with other immediate family, were seated in the Sanctuary itself and were able to witness the nuptials at very close quarters.
Prince William and Kate’s immediate family members will still be very close – seated in the North and South Lanterns (see the PDF for more details). If you look at photos of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding, you’ll see that they’ll be seated just before the steps of the Sanctuary, in line with where the Page Boys stood.
Prince William and Kate Middleton chose the Abbey for its intimacy despite its size, as well as its 1,000-year Royal history and majestic beauty.
About 1,000 people will sit in the section of the Abbey in front of the Quire, a partition in the building which restricts the view of the altar to anyone behind it, giving it the feel of a large parish church.
In the last few hours, sources have been communicating that Kate Middleton has commissioned three different dresses by three designers, in a bid to ensure that her dress design stays a well-kept secret. If one of her chosen designers is ‘discovered’ she will use a dress from the others in the clique.
Sarah Burton’s creations for Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2011 ready-to-wear collection. Credit: Alexander McQueen
Princess Diana had two dresses but the second was a replica of the original, just in case of a problem. Princess Diana’s dress was famously designed by the Emanuel house.
It’s rumoured that Jasper Conran may be among the select trio, along with McQueen – the design house that most people believe is the favourite to design the dress.
Sarah Burton’s creations for Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2011 ready-to-wear collection. Credit: Alexander McQueen.
Kate has also opted to change from the ceremonial wedding dress to another dress specifically designed for the evening reception at Buckingham Palace, which will be a party organised by Prince Charles to celebrate his son’s wedding. The eyes of the world will literally be watching Kate – and the dress designs and designers will be catapulted into the ‘most wanted’ lists of billions…
Sarah Burton’s creations for Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2011 ready-to-wear collection. Credit: Alexander McQueen.
And here are some examples of Jasper Conran wedding dress designs:
Jasper Conran Wedding Dresses (Credit: JC)
What do you think? Will Kate choose a designer like Jasper Conran? Some of these ‘off-the-shelf’ designs are stunningly simple and might well form the basis of her dress. The simplicity is reminiscent of the Issa wear Kate donned for the official engagement announcement.
On the other hand, the McQueen collection has an air of audacity which seems to be a trait of this relatively quiet, unassuming character – if Kate’s performance and dresses on the catwalk at St Andrews, are anything to go by. If Kate’s design isn’t ‘outed’ before the wedding day, I think she will go for the more ‘edgy’ McQueen design house incorporating a classic flavour. And possibly a simple, elegant Jasper Conran design for the evening reception. But who knows what she’ll do?
They’ve brought out a ‘royal’ bridal gown for little girls in the UK now:
Duchess of Cambridge
Duke of Cambridge
Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales
