Catherine Middleton and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, finally tied the knot on Friday, April 29, 2011 after an engagement that rocked the world when announced in October 2010. The build-up to the wedding created mass media attention and drew connections between Middleton and the late Princess Diana, as people around the world questioned who would design the dress and compared the service to the 1981 marriage of William’s parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
An estimated two billion people watched the wedding across the world, and during the royal wedding weekend, it was hard to hear of anything else. Due to the time difference, people across the United States had to stay up through most of the night to watch the wedding live.
News of Middleton’s dress was heard around the world through Twitter. She had chosen a design by Alexander McQueen’s second in command, Sarah Burton, and wore a long-sleeved dress with a lace appliqué bodice, satin gazar pleated skirt and a nine-foot train. Hours after the dress made its worldwide debut, women could order a copycat version.
Dress designers say that the bridal train and fuller skirts are back for good, and strapless dresses will fall to the wayside, as shoulder-covering lace and sleeves also make a comeback. To many, the wedding was flawless and extremely entertaining, especially the women that choose to push the fashion envelope with outrageous hats.
The couple married at Westminster Abbey with a bridal party of eight, including the best man, Price Harry, and Pippa Middleton, the maid of honor. Shocking the world again with her unexpected decisions, Pippa choose a body hugging, gorgeous dress that closely mirrored the color of her sister’s wedding dress.
Catherine Middleton is now referred to as Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge. After the ceremony, the royal couple appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and shared two adorable kisses before the adoring crowd. The bride donned another dress by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen for the private reception hosted by Prince Charles.
The newly married couple postponed honeymoon plans and returned to Prince William’s home in Anglesey, Wales in time to resume his job as a search and rescue pilot, after a short break at a secret location. Asking to be left in peace by the paparazzi and public, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are trying to lead a normal life before their overseas honeymoon.