Tuesday marks 14 years since Prince William married his university sweetheart, Kate Middleton, at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony watched by an estimated 17.6 million viewers worldwide.
Kate made her way down the aisle in a stunning satin and lace wedding dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, while William adhered to tradition, waiting until she reached the altar to see his bride for the first time.
Cameras captured the sweet moment as William whispered to Kate, “You look lovely,” followed by, “You look beautiful,” as she beamed with happiness.
Before the ceremony, William also cracked a lighthearted joke with his proud father-in-law, Michael Middleton, saying, “We’re supposed to have just a small family affair,” according to lip readers.
The guest list, consisting of 1,900 people, included friends, family, and royals, including William’s grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, as well as dignitaries and celebrities.
After exchanging vows, the couple made their way to Buckingham Palace in the 1902 State Landau, where they watched a flypast from the palace balcony. To the delight of the crowd, William and Kate shared two kisses before attending their wedding reception hosted by the late Queen.
Later that evening, the couple drove back to Clarence House in Prince Charles’ decorated Aston Martin Volante, complete with red, white, and blue streamers and a learner plate. A private dinner hosted by the Prince of Wales followed, with Kate changing into a second Sarah Burton gown – a strapless satin dress paired with a cream cardigan.
Until Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022, William and Kate were known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Following the Queen’s death, they became the Prince and Princess of Wales.
To celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary, the couple will visit the Isle of Mull in Scotland for a two-day trip, where they’ll meet with local craftspeople, farmers, and residents.
