Prince William Broke Royal Tradition By Naming Prince Harry His Best Man When He Married Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding was watched by millions of royal fans around the world. Although the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed most royal protocols during the ceremony, there were a few traditions they skipped. This includes William naming Prince Harry his best man, a move that was completely against royal tradition.
Prince William picks Prince Harry to be his best man
After dating since the early 2000s, William finally popped the big question in 2010. Before he and Kate Middleton tied the knot the following year, William appeared in one final outing as a single man.
The night before the wedding, William and Harry greeted fans outside of Buckingham Palace in London. The brothers then enjoyed a private meal with their father, Prince Charles, and Camilla Parker Bowles.
When it came to the wedding, Prince William donned his Irish Guards Mounted Officer’s attire while Harry, as his best man, wore his Blues and Royals officer’s uniform. Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, looked stunning in her satin gown from designer Sarah Burton.
The couple tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony inside Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. They went on to share three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
William breaks royal tradition on his wedding day
Members of the royal family usually do not include a best man and a maid of honor at their weddings. According to Hello Magazine, the royals have a bridal party but they are usually referred to as “supporters.”
Prince William, however, broke from this tradition when he named Prince Harry his best man. At the time, inside sources claim that William wanted a best man because it “had more relevance to his life than the alternative.”
Kate also selected her sister, Pippa Middleton, to be her maid of honor. Harry followed their lead when he exchanged vows in 2018 with Meghan Markle, referring to William as his best man.
In contrast, Charles named his brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, his supporters when he wed Princess Diana in 1981. Edward did the same when he tied the knot with Sophie Rhys Jones back in 1999.
What other rules did Prince William and Kate Middleton break?
Naming a best man and a maid of honor were not the only rules William and Kate broke on their wedding day. The couple also went against royal protocol on their wedding night.
Following a royal wedding, the newlyweds usually depart for their honeymoon destination right away. But after they exchanged vows, William and Kate stayed in London for their first evening as a married couple.
Prince William and Kate enjoyed the night at Buckingham Palace and remained in the United Kingdom for a whole ten days before jetting off to their honeymoon. The pair spent their honeymoon at the Seychelles islands.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary
It has officially been 9 years since William and Kate tied the knot. In celebration of their 9th anniversary, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared an adorable photo from their wedding day on social media.
The image shows Prince William and Kate as they emerged from Westminster Abbey right after they said, “I do.” The two were beaming as photographers captured the moment for royal watchers to enjoy all of these years later.
“Nine years ago today – thank you for all your lovely messages on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding anniversary!” they wrote alongside the image.
Fans absolutely loved the pic and congratulated William and Kate on their anniversary. One royal watcher wrote that “Diana would be so proud of you both,” while another added, “Wishing your Highnesses a very happy wedding anniversary.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently staying at their country estate, Anmer Hall, amid the coronavirus lockdown. The couple has been isolating since the lockdown began and is keeping busy homeschooling their children.
