Prince Harry was described as being “at his very best” as best man at his brother Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, a moment that now stands in stark contrast to the brothers’ current rift. The wedding, held at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011, was a lavish affair that drew an estimated one million people onto the streets of London.
Royal commentator Richard Palmer recalled the day as “the most perfect, magnificent day, a real show of the best of Britain.” He noted that the wedding heralded a new era for the monarchy, with William and Kate seen as a young, glamorous couple. The presence of Princess Diana’s son added emotional weight for many.
Kate Middleton arrived in an ivory gown designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The couple travelled alone in the 1902 State Landau carriage to Buckingham Palace, passing crowds waving Union flags. The policing cost for the event was £6.35 million.
Royal broadcaster Katie Nicholl described it as “an absolutely momentous day,” adding that the nation was invested in the fairy-tale romance. The ceremony included 2,000 guests, among them Sir Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, and Joss Stone. A further 24 million people watched worldwide.
Prince William wore his Irish Guards uniform and spent the anxious moments before the ceremony with his brother and best man, Prince Harry. The Queen and Prince Philip also attended. The wedding is remembered as a golden moment for the royal family, before the subsequent estrangement between the brothers.
