The Royal Wedding 29th April 2011

Prince William and Kate Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey in London on 29th April 2011. Royal Wedding 2011 Info covers all of the latest news, analysis, insight and discussion. The Royal Couple are now The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Friday

Prince William and Kate visit Birmingham today after UK Riots

The Royal Family have been out in force this week to show there support for communities ravaged by recent rioting in the UK. Today, Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Birmingham.

The Royal couple arrived at Winson Green in Birmingham this morning and met with local residents and small business owners affected by the recent criminal behaviour. William and Kate also had a private meeting with the families of three men, Haroon Jahan, Shazad Ali and Abdul Musavir who were tragically killed by thugs who drove a vehicle at them in one incident. The three young men were simply protecting the property of their friends, family and neighbours from looting rioters, their funeral service took place yesterday and more than 20,000 people gathered to pay their respects.

Earlier in the week Prince Charles and Camilla spent a day touring riot spots in London and Prince Harry visited Salford near Manchester. The Royal Family like the majority of people in the United Kingdom were shocked and deeply concerned to witness the riots unfold on television and through their charities they are trying to do what they can to help but they also felt the need to get out and about to meet the actual victims. This sincere gesture seemed to be genuinely appreciated by those they met.

Wednesday

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge return to the UK after successful tour of Canada and visit to California

Prince William and Kate arrived back in the UK on Monday morning after an immensely successful royal tour of Canada and royal visit to California USA.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had an extremely busy schedule for the majority of their 11 day trip only taking a couple for days out for themselves to enjoy privately.

The Royal couple have been superb ambassadors for the United Kingdom promoting British businesses, arts and charities. It has been incredible how the Canadians and Americans have welcomed William and Kate into their hearts and minds.

Now the William and Kate will return to quiet and much more private life the couple lead in Anglesey where Prince William will resume his role as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot. It has been an exceptionally busy year for them, ever since the Royal Wedding was announced towards the end of last year.

Sunday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in California


Prince William and Kate arrived in California yesterday for the start of their 3 day visit following the extremely successful 9 day tour of Canada. The Royal Couple's main purpose will be to promote British businesses, arts and charities.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began by attending a conference which was predominantly focused on promoting foreign trade and investment into Britain and in particular for Tech City in East London which is Europe's fastest growing technology hub.

Afterwards, William and Kate attended a reception at the British Consul General's residence (where the couple are staying). They were greeted by celebrity friends including David Beckham who with his wife Victoria had attended the Royal Wedding on April 29th 2011. David was on his own though last night as Victoria is expecting to give birth any day now.

Today, Prince William and Kate attended a Polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Raquet club. Prince William also played in a match which raised a considerable amount of money for charity. Celebrities spotted at the event included Rob Lowe, Billy Zane and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The cheapest tickets for the event cost $400 with Polo Players reportedly paying up to £100,000 for the chance to play with the future King of England.

Tonight William and Kate are attending a black tie star-studded event dinner by BAFTA to honour 42 young British film-makers.

Saturday

William and Kate's last couple of days in Canada

The Royal Wedding seems a long way off now and for the last leg of the 9 day Royal Tour of Canada, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Calgary in the Province of Alberta.

On arrival Prince William and Kate were greeted by local dignitaries but the most touching moment was when Diamond Marshall, a six year old girl who has advanced cancer ran up to Kate and wrapped her arms around the Duchess.

It was a magical moment for both of them and no doubt for countless other people watching.

The Royal couple were presented with cowboy boots and 10 gallon hats which they wore and for most of their visit to Calgary were dressed much more casually in jeans and chequered shirts.

In Prince William's last speech whilst in Canada he told guests "In 1939, my great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, said of her first tour of Canada with her husband, King George VI, 'Canada made us'. Catherine and I now know very well what she meant....

Canada has far surpassed all that we were promised. Our promise to Canada is that we shall return." Prince William also once again paid tribute to Canada's military and its role in Afghanistan.

William and Kate's trip to Calgary coincided with the Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo, parade, exhibition and festival which is known as 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth' and which attracts over one million visitors per year. 

After launching the Calgary Stampede, the couple visited Calgary Zoo for a reception hosted by Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach who highlighed some of the research, particularly aimed at protecting the environment, taking place in the province.

Then on Friday afternoon the royal couple flew to California in the USA for a their three day visit.

Tuesday

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Yellowknife in Northwest Territories

On the sixth day of their Royal Tour of Canada Prince William and Kate arrived in Yellowknife after an exciting fun-packed day on Prince Edward Island yesterday. Yellowknife is the capital and largest city of the Northwest Territories and it will be the furthest north that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will travel on the Canadian Royal Tour.

William and Kate's schedule is not as packed today and after their official duties they will be taking a break for themselves before travelling to Calgary for a rodeo before then heading to LA in California.

The trip to Prince Edward Island yesterday saw Prince William whose day job is working as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot, land an adapted helicopter on water in an operation referred to as 'waterbirding'. For once Kate was on the other side of the camera whilst she filmed William successfully land the helicopter several times.


Another highlight of the day on Prince Edward Island saw Prince William and Kate go head to head in a Dragon Boat race on the lake in an area called Peake's Quay. It had been originally thought that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would not actually be rowing but steering the boats.

They impressed everybody and true to form got right into the thick of it and took part as rowers. William's boat won, but not by a lot. Very exciting to watch!

Monday

Prince William and Kate arrive at Prince Edward Island in Canada

The Royal Couple have arrived on Prince Edward Island on the next stage of their Royal tour to Canada. William and Kate are due to take part in a dragon boat race later on today. 

Yesterday The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Maison Dauphine a centre for street children and teenagers. Whilst there they enjoyed watching and joining in with some impressive magic tricks performed by some of the kids and William also enjoyed a game of table football.

Afterwards William and Kate attended the Freedom Of The City ceremony where William gave a speech entirely in French which was out of respect to the fact that Quebec is firmly in Canada's French heartland.

Security was increased as there were still some protests from Royal Separatists but they were minor in comparison to the crowd numbers who turned out in support of the Royals. 

Prince William and Kate visit Quebec City

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Quebec City yesterday for the fourth day of their Royal tour of Canada.

The Royal couple sailed from Montreal to Quebec City along the St. Lawrence river on HMCS Montreal. William and Kate joined the sailors from the ship for a church service today where their visit was praised by the Anglican Bishop of Quebec.

Next on the tour for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are Charlottetown and Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

Prince William and Kate's first day in Canada at the start of their Royal Tour


It's was a busy first day in Ottawa for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the start of their Royal Tour of Canada. The Royal couple were well received and made a great impression.

This video of William and Kate's first day covers some of the highlights.

Thursday

Prince William and Kate are on their way to Canada!

Prince William and Kate boarded a Canadian Forces plane earlier today at Heathrow Airport and are now on their way to Ottawa for the start of their 9 day Canadian tour. After which they will visit California in the USA.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are 'touring' Canada as oppose to 'visiting' the USA because Canada is part of the Commonwealth, in other words it is because Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state for Canada.

William and Kate will travel to Quebec, Prince Edward Island, The Northwest Territories and Alberta before leaving for the US on the 8th July.

When this Royal tour was first agreed last year, Prince William was not married and since the Royal Wedding on 29th April 2011 much has changed. The main change of course is the raised level of international interest in the Royal couple. To put it into perspective, when The Queen visited Canada in the Summer of 2010 there were just 20 international journalists accredited to cover the tour. More than 1,300 journalists have been accredited to cover this Royal tour of Canada by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

More to follow once the Royal couple have arrived in Canada. 


Monday

William and Kate enjoying some tennis at Wimbledon today


With just three days before Prince William and Kate embark on their first international Royal Tour together to Canada and California USA, they arrived today at the Wimbledon Tennis Championship.

It is the seventh day of the world famous tennis championship and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watched Andy Murray play Gasquet from the Royal box. Today was the hottest day at Wimbledon so far.

Despite the heatwave Andy Murray put on a sterling performance beating Gasquet in three straight sets. No doubt William and Kate thoroughly enjoyed the performance whilst partaking in a Wimbledon tradition of eating strawberries and cream.

Friday

The Royal Wedding Charity Gift Fund Raises over £1m

Great news, it was announced yesterday that the Royal Wedding charity gift fund set up by Prince William and Kate raised £1,058,367 to be divided amongst the 26 charities personally chosen by the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Prior to the Royal Wedding on 29th April 2011 the couple had requested that where people wished to send them gifts that they donate to the charity fund instead. The fund is managed by the Foundation of Prince William and Harry.

Tuesday

Happy Birthday Prince William!

Prince William celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday this week (21st June 2011). It was a low-key affair with the Prince celebrating it privately with Kate in Anglesey in Wales. Prince William worked the day as normal in his role as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot. As a mark of respect Westminster Abbey rang out its bells to celebrate the day.

It's only a few days now until the 30th June when Prince William and Kate begin their Royal tour to Canada followed by a short visit to California. I'm sure everybody will join us in wishing William a very Happy Birthday.

Sunday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a busy weekend


It has been a busy weekend for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with the Trooping of the Colour and the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th Birthday.

Yesterday (11th June) saw the Royal couple Prince William and Kate attend the Trooping of the Colour which happens every year to mark the Queen's Official Birthday - the Queen's actual birthday is on 21st April when this year she was 85. This was the first time that Prince William took part, he was on horseback during the parade because he is also Colonel of the Irish Guards. Kate arrived in a carriage with Prince Harry.

Later, the Royal family including Prince William and Kate watched RAF planes fly past overhead from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. William and Kate looked like they were enjoying themselves, laughing and joking with one another.

Whilst today the couple joined the rest of the Royal family at a thanksgiving service to mark the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th Birthday. 

Prince Philip was 90 on Friday 10th June 2011. The service today took place at the chapel in Windsor Castle and preceded a lunch for some 750 guests which was then later followed by a charity Polo match in which Princes William and Harry played on opposing sides. The match was played in aid of disadvantaged African children. William's team one the match!

Friday

Prince William and Kate's first public event since Royal Wedding

Last night Prince William and Kate attended their first official public event together since the Royal Wedding.  The extravagant formal fundraising dinner for ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) took place at Kensington Palace.   

As many as 900 guests attended dinner paying £10,000 per head and there was also a bidding auction held on charity lots which included a luxury Kenyan safari and a trip on the Maltese Falcon sailing yacht. Guests attending the event included Liz Hurley and Kevin Spacey.

William used the event to announce that his and Harry's own Prince's Foundation and ARK will collaborate to further help poor children in Africa.

Prince William wore black tie and Kate looked stunning in a dress designed by Jenny Packham.  

Tuesday

Kate's Royal Wedding Dress to go on display at Buckingham Palace

The beautiful wedding dress worn by Kate Middleton now the Duchess of Cambridge at the Royal Wedding on 29th April 2011 is to go on display at Buckingham Palace this summer from 23rd July to 3rd October 2011.

The Royal bride's veil, tiara, diamond earrings and shoes will also go on display along with the Royal Wedding cake.

The wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen is made from ivory and white satin-gazar and the train measures 2.7 metres. Kate worked closely with Sarah Burton on the design.

The veil is made of layers of soft ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers and was held in place by the Cartier 'Halo' tiara which was lent to Kate by the Queen. The tiara had been given to Queen Elizabeth by her mother on her eighteenth birthday when she was still a princess. The shoes were also hand-made by the design team at Alexander McQueen.