Australia postage stamps year 2011 Royal Wedding – Prince William & Catherine MNH**
The 2011 royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton was a globally celebrated event that took place on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in London. Here’s an overview of the key highlights of this iconic day:
The Couple
- Prince William: The eldest son of Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), and Diana, Princess of Wales. William is second in line to the British throne.
- Catherine Middleton: A commoner from a middle-class background, Catherine met William while they were students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Engagement
- The couple announced their engagement on November 16, 2010.
- William proposed with his late mother Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring during a private trip to Kenya.
Ceremony Highlights
- Venue: Westminster Abbey, chosen for its historical significance as the site of many royal occasions, including coronations and weddings.
- Guests: About 1,900 guests attended the ceremony, including foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and family members.
- Clergy: The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, officiating the marriage vows.
- Music: The service featured a mix of traditional hymns, orchestral pieces, and a choir.
Media and Global Reach
- The wedding was watched by an estimated 2 billion people worldwide through live television broadcasts, online streaming, and radio. Social media buzzed with updates, marking one of the first major royal events in the digital age.
Legacy
The wedding symbolized the modernization of the monarchy and showcased William and Catherine’s popularity. The event remains one of the most watched and celebrated royal weddings in history.
