Every Gorgeous Photo From Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 Royal Wedding
Relive the entire magical day here.
Long before little Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis existed, there was a young Prince William and his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton. Now, the royal parents of three are better known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but prior to April 29, 2011, they were just an ordinary pair of college sweethearts... planning the royal wedding of the century.
In honor of their tenth wedding anniversary, let's take a look back at every memorable moment of Will and Kate's iconic big day.
Inside Westminster Abbey
The ceremony for Will and Kate's wedding started at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011. Before the wedding began, Westminster Abbey was decorated with six English Field Maple tress and two Hornbeam trees, all of which were 20 feet-high. London-based floral designer Shane Connolly and his team handled the floral design at the Abbey and at Buckingham Palace.
Guests Arrive at the Abbey
Before the bride and groom made their appearance, nearly 2,000 guests arrived to watch the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The guest list included various foreign royals, politicians and diplomats from across the Commonwealth, and members of the British armed forces.
Celebrity Attendees Are Spotted
And, given that this was indeed a royal wedding, some of our favorite British celebrities were invited, like Elton John and Victoria and David Beckham. Guests were instructed to arrive as early as 8:15 a.m. for the 11 a.m. ceremony start time.
The Crowd in London
London's Metropolitan Police estimated that one million people lined the streets to see the royal wedding parade, according to the BBC. April 29 was an official public holiday, so the wedding could be properly celebrated across the UK.
Will and Harry Head to the Abbey
The groom rode to the Abbey with his best man, Prince Harry. Will and Harry left Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, at 10:10 am in a Bentley State Limousine. The duo rode through London passing thousands of royal fans on their way.
Will and Harry Officially Arrive at the Abbey
After a short ride from Clarence House, Will and Harry arrive at the Abbey, fans get a full look at Will's wedding day ensemble. The Prince wore the Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform, while Harry chose the uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry.
The Middleton Family Arrives
The mother of the bride, Carole Middleton, and brother of the bride, James, arrive at Westminster Abbey just after William and Harry. The Middleton's spent the night before the wedding at the Goring Hotel in London.
Follow by Members of the Royal Family
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice arrived at the Abbey with their father, Prince Andrew. Other members of the British royal family quickly followed, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Charles and Camilla were among the last to arrive
The father and step-mother of the groom were the last to arrive before the Queen, Prince Philip, and the bridal party. The couple were with William and Harry at Clarence House before the wedding.
The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at the Abbey
The monarch was at Buckingham Palace prior to the wedding. She rode to the wedding through the procession route, waving at thousands of fans on the way.
The Bride Heads to the Abbey
Kate leaves the Goring Hotel with her dad, Michael Middleton, by her side. The bridal party, including Pippa Middleton, two page boys and four bridesmaids, leave a few minutes before. The ride from the Goring to the Abbey takes less than 10 minutes.
The Bridal Party Arrives
The bridal party is led by Kate's maid of honor, Pippa, at the Abbey. Pippa's gown is by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, and the bridesmaids wore dresses by Nicki Macfarlane. The page boys wore a uniform based on a Foot Guards officer uniform, in a red fabric that matched Prince William's ensemble.
More: See Photos of Prince Harry and Prince William As Young Page Boys
Kate's Big Reveal
In one of the most iconic photos from the day, Kate emerges from the car and gives the first full look at her Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen wedding gown. The Queen loaned the Cartier Scroll Tiara to Kate for her wedding day.
The Ceremony Begins
Michael Middleton walks his daughter down the aisle of Westminster Abbey with the bridal party following behind. William was at the front of the Abbey with his back turned to the aisle, so he didn't get a glimpse of Kate until she met him at the altar.
A Look at the Altar From the Back
The royal family was seated to the right of the couple, and the Queen's seat was the closest to the altar. The Middleton family sat on the left side.
The Bride and Groom Meet at the Altar
After a three-minute walk with her father, Kate finally sees her groom at the alter in Westminster Abbey. Kate's bouquet contained lily of the valley, hyacinths, a sprig of myrtle, and Sweet William.
The Ceremony Takes Place
The ceremony, which was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was over an hour long. The couple sat for part of it, like when James Middleton did a reading.
Will and Kate Say Their Vows
The couple exchanged vows, but not rings: William opted not to receive a wedding ring out of personal preference. Kate's wedding ring is made of gold that was mined in Wales. Like Diana, Kate dropped the promise to "obey" her husband from her vows.
The Couple Greets the Queen at the End of the Ceremony
Officially husband and wife, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greet the Queen before processing out of Westminster Abbey. Will bowed to his grandmother, while Kate curtsied.
Will and Kate Lead the Procession
After the ceremony ended, Will and Kate led a procession out of the Abbey. The newlyweds were followed by their bridesmaids, page boys, Pippa and Harry, and their parents. Carole Middleton walked next to Prince Charles, while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall exited with Michael Middleton.
Maggie Maloney is the Site Director of Oprah Daily. She previously worked at Town & Country, Elle DECOR, and Marie Claire.
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