Although the royal wedding day of Prince William and Princess Kate in 2011 went without a hitch, there were a few tense moments behind the scenes, as described by TV presenter, Ben Fogle, who was a guest at the wedding. He has admitted he was left red-faced when his wife Marina accidentally clashed with Queen Elizabeth II’s grand arrival.
Writing in his Telegraph column, Ben reminisced about the big day: “We had been asked to arrive at Westminster Abbey early – two hours, I recall. So early that Marina needed a pregnancy-induced wee just before the bride and groom arrived. My sisters in law seized the opportunity to join her in a not insignificant dash across the Abbey, getting caught in the aisle just as the Queen arrived.”
He confessed: “I remember my face reddening at that.”
Hello! Magazine lifestyle editor, Nichola Murphy explained the protocol behind the arrival: “The Royal Family typically arrive at formal events, such as weddings, in order of rank. At the time of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ royal wedding, etiquette dictated that Queen Elizabeth II, who was the most senior, was the last person to arrive before the bride.
“Technically, since Marina had already arrived, she didn’t break etiquette – but I feel for her nonetheless! If it brings her any comfort, other celebrities also suffered mishaps at the royal wedding, such as David Beckham wearing his OBE medal on his right lapel.”
TV presenter Ben Fogle knows William as he filmed with both William and Harry for a 2010 safari show in Africa. Ben’s wife Marina’s sister, Olivia Hunt, actually once dated William, but William’s relationship with the family continued after the relationship ended.
On Friday, April 29, 2011, Prince William of Wales and Kate were married in Westminster Abbey. The Dean of Westminster conducted the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury married the couple and the Bishop of London gave the address.
As they left the Abbey, the couple travelled in a horse-drawn carriage procession to Buckingham Palace and were greeted along the streets by members of the public.
The Queen hosted a Reception for the couple and their guests at Buckingham Palace, and there was a further private dinner in the evening.
Among the star-studded wedding guest list were David and Victoria Beckham, former friend of the late Diana, Princess of Wales – Sir Elton John and comedian Rowan Atkinson, as well as close friends of the couple.