The beautiful way Carole Middleton was honoured by Kate at her royal wedding that most people would never have noticed
The Princess of Wales seemingly included a lovely nod to her mum on her wedding day
There was a beautiful way that Carole Middleton was honoured by the Princess of Wales at her wedding and most people won’t have noticed.
Prince William and Kate’s wedding was an iconic royal moment and it’s hardly surprising that every last detail of the big day was meticulously thought-out. From the to the choice of myrtle in her bouquet in line with royal tradition, to the bride’s Welsh gold wedding band cut from a piece owned by Queen Elizabeth, there were so many subtle but meaningful touches. These made their day - which was watched by millions - still very personal to them and there was a lovely way that Carole Middleton was honoured on the day.
It was subtle and most people might never have noticed, but Kate’s bridesmaids all stepped out in flower crowns. According to Hello!, the crowns were modelled after Carole’s wedding headpiece as she’s understood to have opted for a gorgeous floral crown for her and Michael Middleton’s 1980 nuptials.
Kate: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl | £11.46 at Amazon
Delving into the life of the Princess of Wales, this biography reflects upon her childhood, first romances and how love blossomed between her and Prince William. Katie Nicholl also unveils intriguing details on the future Queen's initiation into life as a royal, as well as her first pregnancy.
All four of the Princess of Wales’s bridesmaids were flower crowns with ivy and lily of the valley whilst Pippa Middleton, the Maid Honour, also had a floral decoration in her half-up, half-down hairstyle. Some reports have even suggested that Kate apparently considered wearing a flower crown, but she ended up getting married in the magnificent Cartier Halo Tiara.
Even though she didn’t actually wear a flower crown herself, Kate’s decision for the bridesmaids to wear these stunning headpieces at her royal wedding could be seen as a beautiful way to honour Carole.
Pippa Middleton later followed in her elder sister’s footsteps when she married James Matthews in 2017, opting for similar flower crowns to be worn by her own bridesmaids which included Princess Charlotte. However, the flower crowns weren’t the only special nod to the Princess of Wales’s family that was incorporated into the wedding arrangements and the run-up to the ceremony.
The future Queen broke with tradition to have Pippa as a Maid of Honour - a role that at the time was often considered to be a more American wedding custom. Meanwhile, Kate’s custom-made Robinson Pelham earrings were a gift from her parents and also paid tribute to them in their design. The diamond encrusted earrings featured acorns and an oak leaf - both of which appear in the Middleton family crest which was unveiled shortly before the Prince and Princess of Wales’s wedding.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
As revealed by the Royal Family website, the Middletons worked closely with the College of Arms to create something that "visually identified them as a family". The three acorns included in the Middleton Coat of Arms represent the Princess of Wales, Pippa and their brother James.
They chose acorns specifically because West Berkshire, where they were brought up by Michael and Carole, is surrounded by oak trees. Carole was also personally represented by the gold chevron at the centre as her maiden name was Goldsmith.
Getting candid with The Telegraph seven years after Kate’s big day, Carole shared how she had been hugely involved with both of her daughters’ weddings and prioritised listening to what each of them wanted.
"We talked about music… everything. I was involved lots with both Pip’s and Catherine’s weddings. But I think the most important thing, as a parent, is to listen to what your daughter wants. You can have all the ideas in the world, but it has to be about them. And don’t muscle in on the guest list," she declared.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
32 of the best jewellery looks from the Oscars
Jewellery has long been an Oscars red carpet staple. From dainty necklaces to statement earrings, we have picked 32 of the best jewellery looks from the Oscars.
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
32 healthy lunch ideas that are tasty and packed with goodness
Switch up your midday meal with these healthy lunch ideas that are filling, balanced and nutritious
By Lauren Hughes Published
-
Kate Middleton went shoeless for 'weird' but 'respectful' visit to celeb home
The Princess of Wales reportedly took off her shoes the moment she walked through the door of this celebrity couple's countryside home
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton's peach bag with gorgeous quilted detailing still ticks all our boxes for a must-have summer accessory
We're still inspired by Carole Middleton's peach bag from Wimbledon 2017 as she showcased how timeless neutral accessories are
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William shares new update on Kate Middleton after cancer diagnosis during special trip
The Prince of Wales shared a short insight into Kate's wellbeing as he stepped out in Cornwall last week
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton was so ahead of the curve with her on-trend summer boat shoes - and her favourites are on sale
Boat shoes are set to become one of 2024's biggest summer shoe trends - but Kate Middleton has always been a fan of the style
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
The positive sign Kate Middleton is doing well in recovery as Prince William makes change
The Princess of Wales is currently undergoing 'preventative chemotherapy' after her cancer diagnosis
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Carole Middleton's sultry red midi dress with sleek sweeping updo will never go out of style
Carole's outfit choices never fail to impress us - and her red dress is a classic
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Carole Middleton's deep blue jeans look gorgeous with her glowing summer tan - and her brown leather belt is her key accessory
The Princess of Wales's mum is a fan of a pair of trusty blue jeans, especially for summer
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
We've found the perfect £29 lookalike for Kate Middleton's staple £150 sunglasses
The Princess of Wales loves her tortoise-shell print sunglasses - and recreating her look is easy with this rival pair
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published