The Prince and Princess of Wales wed on a sunny spring day on April 29th, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in front of European royals, dignitaries and high-profile officials along with celebrities like Elton John and Victoria Beckham. Broadcast to millions, the ceremony marked a turning point in the couples fairy tale romance and solidified their lifelong commitment to the Crown.
For the occasion, the princess wore a stunning Victorian inspired lace gown created by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Defined by a delicate V neckline, ivory corset and long lace sleeves, the glamorous gown was modest but not matronly.
Kate’s gown drew comparisons to Grace Kelly and Princess Margaret’s iconic dresses. The stunning wedding dress was constructed of French Chantilly and English Cluny lace throughout the bodice and skirt. The wedding train was nearly nine feet long and Kate’s Maid of Honor and younger sister, Pippa Middleton, helped hold and direct the dramatic train.
The princess also wore the Cartier halo tiara coupled with a veil made of soft ivory silk featuring hand embroidered motifs of various flowers including: rose, thistle, daffodils and shamrocks to represent the countries that comprise the United Kingdom.
The Wales celebrated and commemorated the special occasion of their nuptials and marked their 13th anniversary with a new photograph shared on their social media accounts with the caption: “13 Years Ago Today!”
Royal watchers quickly observed many details about the photograph including the fact that the prince had changed from his ceremonial uniform that the Queen urged him to wear into his chosen garb for the day. For the service, William wore the red uniform representing his honorary military appointment with the Irish Guards. But later the groom changed outfits and opted to wear a black uniform of the regiment he served in the Blues and Royals.
Kate and William’s newly released black and white photo celebrating their 13 years as husband and wife was snapped by Millie Pilkington who they hired as their private photographer to take candid shots on the historic day. The couple took many romantic photos at Buckingham Palace away from the prying eyes of the public. And the Wales even shared some of their special wedding album with friends and family; in 2011, the newlyweds used an unseen wedding snap for their holiday Christmas Card.
Internet sleuths were also quick to decipher that the couple’s new photo was previously seen in a mental health awareness video featuring the Prince of Wales and Lady Gaga that was filmed in April 2017. Displayed on William’s desk is the newly released wedding photo which is seen in a thick walnut frame with gold detailing toward the back of the table.
This is not the first time the prince and princess have released a special photo to mark their anniversary.
Previously, the couple shared two colored snaps issued for their milestone first decade anniversary in an outdoor setting. The cozy 10-year anniversary pictures, taken by Chris Floyd at Kensington Palace, were shared via Instagram in April 2021. For the loved up portrait, the princess donned a Ghost Avery floral wrap dress in blue.
In 2023, the couple marked their 12th anniversary with a countryside photograph taken in Norfolk by Matt Porteous. The Wales were seen riding bikes through the fields of the rural terrain. Kate was clad in her eyelet M.i.h. Mabel button down shirt, skinny jeans and possibly her blue Sungod Sierras sunglasses. In addition, the princess was in her best sporty styling and wore her beloved Superga Cotu 2750 canvas sneakers.
Kate and William’s newly released photo was not taken by their official wedding photographer Hugo Burnand but was instead snapped by their private photographer Millie Pilkington.
