Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s engagement was announced in November 2010, following Prince William’s proposal during a trip to Kenya. He presented her with the iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana.
After a year of planning, the couple exchanged vows on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in a grand royal wedding ceremony. To commemorate their 13th wedding anniversary, Kensington Palace released an unseen portrait of the newlyweds from their special day. The black and white image captures a relaxed and smiling Prince and Princess of Wales at Buckingham Palace, with Catherine resplendent in her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen bridal gown and veil, and William standing with his hand on her waist.
This heartwarming photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the couple’s enduring love and commitment, as they continue to carry out their royal duties and raise their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, formally announced their engagement in November 2010. In an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby, they divulged the details surrounding the proposal, which occurred during their holiday in Kenya. William had intentionally chosen the opportune moment to propose during the trip, carrying the £100,000 engagement ring, formerly belonging to his late mother, Princess Diana, in his rucksack for three weeks.
Fortunately, the proposal unfolded as planned, though William acknowledged feeling apprehensive about transporting the valuable ring, stating, “I knew if this thing disappeared, I’d be in a lot of trouble.” Explaining his choice of Kenya as the proposal destination, William remarked, “It is the place my father took my brother and me shortly after our mother died. And when deciding where best to propose to Catherine, I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee.”
The couple’s official engagement photograph was captured at St James’s Palace by the renowned photographer Mario Testino, who admitted, “I waited a long time, an hour or two, to make that picture perfect.” The iconic image naturally highlighted the ring, featuring a stunning Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 sparkling diamonds, which was resized for fit by the esteemed jewellers G. Collins and Sons. Seven years later, it was William’s brother, Prince Harry, who caused a media sensation with his engagement announcement to Meghan Markle. They broadcasted their joyous news from the sunlit gardens of Kensington Palace in November 2017.
The royal couple’s engagement and subsequent nuptials have garnered immense public interest, as eloquently articulated by the esteemed royal expert, Robert Hardman. He elucidated that “When a royal couple announce their engagement, the public is captivated by every aspect, from the bridal gown’s design to the identities of the bridesmaids and best man, and the venue where the ceremony will unfold. The populace delights in commemorating the occasion with street festivities, thereby fostering a profound sense of engagement from the very outset.”
Presently, the Prince and Princess of Wales are confronting their most formidable challenge to date, as the Princess continues her cancer treatment. In a poignant address to the nation last month, wherein she disclosed her health condition, the Princess expressed her profound gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support during “an incredibly arduous couple of months for our entire family.” She remarked, “Having William by my side is an invaluable source of solace and reassurance.”
Commemorating the couple’s wedding anniversary, Westminster Abbey, the hallowed venue where their nuptials took place, shared archival footage depicting the newlyweds emerging hand in hand from the church. The abbey’s social media channels conveyed a heartfelt message, “Wishing The Prince and Princess of Wales a very happy wedding anniversary today!” Last year, the Palace released a recent photograph of the couple, capturing them on bicycles in the sunshine, their arms entwined, to mark their wedding anniversary.