After a six-month long engagement, Prince William and Kate Middleton finally tied the knot as the world watched. From the star-studded guest list, to Kate’s knockout gown, and the couple’s first public kiss, WATCH VIDEO of the most memorable moments of their big day.
Plus, see photos of the royal wedding and read our complete coverage.
The First Public Kiss
Sealed with two kisses: Prince William and Princess Kate emerged from Buckingham Palace for their first public display of affection in front of a massive crowd. It wasn’t exactly passionate—the couple kept the initial smooch tame, until onlookers chanted for another. After, planes flew overhead for the fly-past before the royal family left for the best part of the wedding—the party.
A-List Guests Arrive
From the Beckhams, to Elton John, to Guy Ritchie, 1,900 of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s closest friends and family—and dignitaries and celebrities and royalty—took their seats in Westminster Abbey before Queen Elizabeth II arrived. As for the other two billion whose invitations got lost in the mail, well, they just watched on TV.
The Prince Runs Late
By one minute, that is: Prince William and Prince Harry departed Clarence House nearly on time wearing Irish Guards Mounted Officer’s uniforms. Both waved to the roaring crowds as they made their way along the mile-and-a-half-long route in the royal Bentley. Was Prince Harry already counting down to the party’s survivors breakfast?
The Queen’s Grand Entrance
While most of the congregation arrived at 9 a.m. BST, Queen Elizabeth II’s arrival was the final before Kate Middleton’s debut at the ceremony. After a meeting with the Middletons that was described as “ warm,” the Queen displayed her typical emotional restraint as she arrived decked out in yellow to take the seat closest to the couple. It was a week of milestones for the Queen, who turned 85 on April 21, but the question on everyone’s mind was: Would she tear up?
A Dress Fit for a McQueen
How can you top Princess Diana’s 25-foot train? After months of speculation over the designer, the dress befitting the wedding of the century was nearly revealed the night before the big day when a picture of Alexander McQueen’s creative director entering the Goring Hotel leaked. Kate, known for her sense of style, was every bit the stunning bride when she arrived at Westminster Abbey in a dress reminiscent of Grace Kelly.
Here Comes the Bride
The newly named Duchess of Cambridge made her way down the red-carpeted aisle, flanked by father Michael Middleton. Though she didn’t have an excessively long train to contend with, Kate grasped her father as the “ Introit” played in the background. It was no T-Mobile parody—which might be for the best—but the bridesmaids and pages provided the adorable factor.
The Royal ‘I Dos’
To have and to hold: Bride and groom could hardly suppress their smiles as they said their vows—minus the flubs that plagued Princess Diana and Prince Charles. The vows were traditional, with the exception that Kate skipped the vow to obey Prince William, sparking inevitable Princess Diana comparisons.
A Wedding Lesson
Someone has a case of wedding jitters: Kate’s brother, James Middleton, read “The Lesson” to the couple—and the audience of two billion—telling bride and groom to “love one another with mutual affection” and to “live in harmony” with one another. While Will and Kate played it cool during the ceremony, Middleton’s brother had an apparent case of nerves for his international debut.
Pronounced Husband and Wife
Hitched without a hitch: Taking their first walk together as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Kate made their grand exit from Westminster Abbey to head to Buckingham Palace for their first display of PDA. Let’s just say they look relieved.