Inside Kate and William's wedding - from lavish menu to Palace 'nightclub' (2024)

Prince William and Princess Kate are celebrating their 13^th wedding anniversary today after the couple tying the knot on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey – a service that was watched by 162 million people around the world.

The royal couple finally married after an eight-year relationship and, according to the Telegraph, the marriage was described as one guest as “the most magical party imaginable”.

Among the star-studded wedding guest list were David and Victoria Beckham, former friend of the late Diana, Princess of Wales - Sir Elton John and comedian Rowan Atkinson, as well as close friends of the couple.

After the famous Buckingham Palace balcony kiss, Prince William and Princess Kate got ready for an intimate Palace reception.

From guests being treated to a wedding menu of British food created by leading chef Anton Mosimann to a wedding band led by pop star and Brit-award winner, Ellie Goulding – the Throne Room in the palace was transformed into a “massive nightclub”.

On the royal couple's special anniversary, Express.co.uk shares pictures from Prince William and Princess Kate’s lavish wedding...

Prince William escorted Princess Kate in King Charles's cherished Aston Martin after their nuptials, waving to royal spectators lined-up on Pall Mall.

The rear number plate of the carread ‘JU5T WED’, and the-then 41-year-old car had been decorated in the traditional newly wed style with a learner plate on the front and multi-coloured streamers tied to the bonnet.

Heart-shaped balloons had also been tied to the back of the car with some balloons having the initials of ‘W’ for William and ’C’ for Catherine.

(Image: Getty)

Few pictures of Kate's second wedding dress were released to the public, but some pictures were taken as Kate left Clarence House and headed for her private reception at Buckingham Palace.

The duch*ess' lesser-known second wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, but it was far simpler than her first intricate ensemble.

It featured a sweetheart neckline which she accessorised with a furry stole and was clinched at the waist by a bejewelled belt.

The duch*ess wore her hair in her trademark big bouncy waves, but kept her jewellery minimal, and wore herbeloved sapphire engagement ring which once belonged to the late Princess Diana.

(Image: Getty)

Prince Harry was a self-styled Master of Ceremonies at the lavish Buckingham Palace reception and kicked off proceedings with an entertaining speech described as "absolutely hilarious" by a guest and "affectionate brotherly joshing" by another, as reported in the Telegraph.

One guest added: "Prince Harry was absolutely hilarious. He is a class act when it comes to being a comedy compere. He was so unbelievably funny, that by the end of it, he had most of the room crying with laughter."

(Image: Getty)

Michael Middleton delivered a speech about the couple and his daughter's childhood at the reception and after walking his eldest daughter down the aisle of Westminster Abbey.

During the speech, he had joked about the conversation between himself and Prince William when he asked for his daughter's hand in marriage. Prince William also gave a speech where he thanked his father for hosting the party, toasting the bridesmaids and the pageboys, and praised his "beautiful bride".

(Image: Getty)

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Guests arrived at the pre-dinner drinks reception through a candle-lit walkway in the Palace courtyard and walked in to the sound of bagpipes playing.

They were served vintage pink champagne,peach bellinis and elderflower co*cktails.Shortly after 8pm, guests were ushered into the Palace’s Ballroom for dinner. Guests were given envelopes with their table names, which had been personally named after places special to the couple and their friends.

Table names included "St Andrews",after the Scottish university where the couple began their romance, and "Tetbury" afterthe town in Gloucestershire which is close to Highgrove.

(Image: Getty)