Princess Diana was included in Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding day in the most touching way
Kate and William made sure that Princess Diana was part of their wedding day
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding was not only the royal event of the year, but a coming together of families, so it’s fitting that the couple paid secret tribute to Princess Diana on their big day.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in April 2011 featured several heartfelt elements that linked back to Princess Diana.
- This month marks 11 years since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot in the special ceremony.
- In other royal news, Kate Middleton's clubbing outfits from her pre-royal partying days have gone viral.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding reminded royal fans of a fairytale as they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. And whilst it was an occasion they shared with royal fans across the world, it was also a wonderful family day.
Prince Harry acted as best man, saying something particularly sweet to his big brother as Kate walked down the aisle and her wedding dress left royal fans in awe around the world.
Despite the day's magic moments, the wedding was likely tinged with some sadness for William over the fact his his late mother, Princess Diana, couldn’t experience it.
William was just 15 when she tragically passed away and Diana never got to meet her daughter-in-law, Kate.
However, whilst Diana may not have actually been there, William and Kate’s wedding paid tribute to her with some very touching details—ensuring she was still included in their nuptials.
How Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding paid tribute to Princess Diana
Westminster Abbey is one of the grandest venues for a royal wedding, but Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding venue was also the ultimate tribute to Princess Diana. It was here that her funeral was held in 1997, where William, then aged only 15, saw his mother laid to rest.
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.
Though Westminster Abbey was a poignant venue choice, William and Kate likely chose it to ensure Diana was included in their day.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)
A photo posted by on
This is also thought to be the case with the Princess of Wales’ stunning sapphire engagement ring, which was originally intended for someone else.
It’s believed that William wished to include his mother in the excitement of his engagement to Kate by proposing with her ring. Both with this and the choice of Westminster Abbey, William would perhaps have felt closer to his mother than ever.
This was echoed by Elton John, a close friend of Diana, who previously told press that he believed she would have been "very happy" about William making new memories at the Abbey.
As reported by Vanity Fair, Elton said, "I can’t imagine at that young age having to walk in the public, following your mother’s coffin. . . . And the next time we’re in the Abbey it’s to see him walking up the aisle with a beautiful woman, the love of his life.
"I think it’s the most joyous result and I’m sure Diana would be very, very happy about it."
And that’s not the only way Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding included a secret nod to Princess Diana.
Kate walked down the aisle to The Introit, a piece of music which was reportedly used at Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding back in 1981. Prince Charles himself has previously revealed that he helped to pick the music for William and Kate's wedding, though it's not known which pieces he personally chose or if this was one of them.
During the ceremony, the hymn ‘Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer’ was also sung—a hymn that was the final selection sung at Diana’s funeral.
The couple also departed their wedding in an open top 1902 State Landau carriage - just as Charles and Diana had all those years before.
Whilst Princess Diana sadly didn’t get to experience Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, it seems the couple did all they could to ensure she was included and remembered on their big day.
Caitlin is News Editor for woman&home, covering all things royal, celeb, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Caitlin started on local papers and titles such as Cosmopolitan, Now, Reveal and Take a Break while studying for her Multimedia Journalism degree. She also worked in Fashion PR as a Press Assistant for Arcadia's Topshop before becoming a part of the Now team. Caitlin went on to add the likes of Woman, GoodtoKnow, WhatToWatch and woman&home to her writing repertoire before moving on to her current role.
-
Recent weeks 'precious' for Kate Middleton with 'country walks and snuggles in front of the TV' with George, Charlotte and Louis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been able to relish in precious family time over the Easter break, according to a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
I put the EcoAir DC12 MK3 dehumidifier to the test – and found it's perfect for bedrooms
This quiet dehumidifier punches above its weight when it comes to performance and usability, and won't break the bank.
By Amy Cutmore Published
-
Recent weeks 'precious' for Kate Middleton with 'country walks and snuggles in front of the TV' with George, Charlotte and Louis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been able to relish in precious family time over the Easter break, according to a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The indulgent recipe George, Charlotte and Louis make for Kate Middleton is our idea of a dream dinner
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis each have a role to play when they whip this dish up for Princess Catherine
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 sweet pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton with their children
There's nothing better than an adorable moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 candid pictures of the Wales family, from world tours to family days out
Whether it's quality time with one of their children or all five of them out together, we love these candid photos of the Waleses
By Jack Slater Published
-
Carole Middleton's 'low-key' pub trip with Prince William as she continues to be Catherine's 'rock'
The future King and his mother-in-law were reportedly spotted enjoying a visit to the local
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The best candid pictures of the Prince and Princess of Wales having a great time together
The Prince and Princess of Wales aren't just man and wife - they're best friends who always have a fun time together
By Jack Slater Published
-
Kate Middleton's best reactions at sports events: 32 times the Princess of Wales lost her cool
The Princess of Wales is prim, proper and poised... unless she's in the crowd for Wimbledon, rugby and other favourite sports
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 candid photos of Prince Harry that show his goofy side, from questionable dance moves to being the family joker
From a young age, Prince Harry has always found time to lighten the mood...
By Jack Slater Published