Kate Middleton ignored tradition and broke five royal protocols during this royal ceremony

During the royal wedding in 2011, Kate Middleton ignored previous traditions and opted to break these five royal protocols

Kate Middleton ignored tradition and broke five royal rules
(Image credit: Pascal Le Segretain / Staff / Getty Images)

Kate Middleton ignored tradition and broke five royal rules on her wedding day when she married Prince William on April 29, 2011.


Kate Middleton wedding day

(Image credit: Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton

While it's not unusual to have your family at your wedding, Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton both had key roles in the royal wedding, which broke typical wedding traditions for royals.

Kate asked Pippa to be Maid of Honor at her wedding and Prince Harry was the Best Man for his brother Prince William. These roles are typically more prominent in American weddings and have not been relevant in previous royal weddings.

Pippa Middleton

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Honeymoon

Instead of going on their honeymoon straight after the wedding, the royal couple opted to stay at Buckingham Palace for a night before their holiday.

The couple then traveled from the Queen's home to the Seychelles, where they stayed on a private island for 10 days.

Pippa's dress

For Kate's wedding, she chose to wear a white Alexander McQueen wedding dress, which was specifically designed for her by Sarah Burton. Kate's sister Pippa was dressed in a white floor-length gown also designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.

According to royal tradition, bridesmaids are not supposed to wear white as this is the color that is designated for just the bride.

Pippa Middleton

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Kate's hair

Kate Middleton's hair has always been fantastic, but royal reporters claim that rather than show off her glossy locks, the Royal Family wanted her to wear her hair up for the ceremony.

Royal expert Ashley Pearson said in a documentary called William & Kate: The Journey, "Royal sources tell me that the royals indicated very strongly to Kate that they would prefer her to wear her hair up for this very special occasion."

"However, Kate had her heart set on wearing her hair down with long flowing curls, which is her favorite way to wear it, and actually William’s favorite as well. They ended up compromising on her look."

Kate's make-up

Kate Middleton's wedding make-up was another break in royal tradition. The Duchess chose to do her own make-up for her special day so that it felt more natural and more like her normal self.

While some may see this as a risky move, the Duchess of Cambridge ensured that she loved her wedding day make-up as she went for an understated look that will stand the test of time.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.