Wedding date and key facts
Prince William married Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on 29 April 2011. The ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey in London and was widely broadcast worldwide. Below are verified details, timelines, and sources to clarify common questions and provide durable reference information.
Primary wedding facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full names | Prince William Arthur Philip Louis; Catherine Elizabeth Middleton | Official palace records |
| Wedding date | 29 April 2011 | Official court and palace announcements |
| Ceremony venue | Westminster Abbey, London, United Kingdom | Palace press release |
| Title upon marriage | Duke of Cambridge | UK honours and titles registry |
| Wedding category | Civil ceremony followed by religious service | Official notices and Abbey liturgy |
Pre-wedding timeline
Prince William and Catherine met while studying at university. Their engagement was officially announced on 16 November 2010, and the wedding was scheduled for April 2011. Key milestones include the engagement photograph and the publishing of the wedding date by Clarence House.
Notable engagement and planning details
- Engagement ring: A blue sapphire solitaire formerly belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales.
- Official engagement photographs released in late 2010.
- Invitations and arrangements coordinated through the Royal Household and Westminster Abbey authorities.
Ceremony and reception highlights
The ceremony combined civil and religious elements. Guests included senior royals, foreign dignitaries, and public figures. The reception followed at Buckingham Palace, with public celebrations held across the UK and Commonwealth.
Ceremony order (high-level overview)
- Processional with traditional music at Westminster Abbey.
- Vows and ring exchange; signing of the marriage register.
- Recessional and carriage procession through London.
- Service of blessing at the Abbey before the reception.
Historical context and significance
William’s wedding marked a modern royal ceremony that balanced tradition with contemporary media engagement. It reinforced the evolving role of the monarchy in the 21st century while adhering to longstanding ceremonial protocols.
Frequently asked questions
- Was the wedding televised? Yes, parts of the ceremony and carriage procession were broadcast live.
- How many guests attended? Approximately 1,900 guests were invited across the ceremony and reception.
- Were there any public holidays declared? No UK public holiday was declared specifically for the wedding.
Conclusion
Prince William married Catherine Middleton on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey. This verified summary compiles key facts, timelines, and ceremonial details intended to remain useful as a durable reference.