The Buckingham Palace privilege Kate and Prince William received from Queen Elizabeth that no-one else has had since
The Prince and Princess of Wales are still the last royals to have received a rare Buckingham Palace privilege after plans were changed
There’s one rare Buckingham Palace privilege that the Prince and Princess of Wales are still the last royals to have received.
The Royal Family have several residences that they call home, but Buckingham Palace is perhaps the most iconic. It’s on the balcony of the monarch’s principal London residence that the royals gather for Trooping the Colour and in the gardens where multiple magnificent garden parties are held annually. Whilst King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t live there permanently, it’s steeped in history and they and their family members do spend time there for special events like these. However, one Buckingham Palace privilege hasn’t been enjoyed by anyone for over a decade and Prince William and Kate were the last to receive it.
In 2011 Prince William became the second of the late Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren to tie the knot when he and Kate said "I do" at Westminster Abbey. Since then, so many royals have had their big days though none of them had their receptions hosted at Buckingham Palace like the Waleses.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Revelatory Biography of the Future Queen by Robert Jobson | Was £22, Now £15 on pre-order at Amazon
This new biography of the Princess of Wales is scheduled to be released on 1st August and author Robert Jobson spoke with sources both on and off the record in the Royal Household for it. He delves into what made Kate the woman she is today, reflecting on her royal role.
After Prince William and Kate’s ceremony at the Abbey, Queen Elizabeth granted them the honour of hosting a lunch reception for the couple and their wedding guests at Buckingham Palace. Later on in the evening King Charles also hosted a private dinner followed by dancing for his son and new daughter-in-law which was also reportedly held at the Palace.
Few of us could ever begin to imagine what it was like dancing the night away at this luxurious royal residence and none of the royals who’ve got married since have enjoyed this privilege themselves. Prince Harry and Meghan married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and so had their reception in Windsor, as did Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank who married five months after the Sussexes.
Meanwhile, Zara Tindall and her husband Mike got married in Scotland in July 2011 and Queen Elizabeth hosted their reception at her principal Scottish home, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were set to become the next royals to have their reception at Buckingham Palace.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
It was announced in February 2020 that their ceremony would be "followed by a private reception, given by The Queen, in the gardens" there. However, like so many other brides and grooms, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo changed their original plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They ended up tying the knot in July 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor in line with government social distancing guidelines in place at the time. Afterwards they had a very small reception at Royal Lodge.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The very understandable modification of their wedding plans means that the Prince and Princess of Wales remain the last couple within both the immediate and extended Royal Family to have their reception at Buckingham Palace. Given that they and Princess Beatrice and Edoardo are the only ones who seem to have planned this, it seems likely that the others were delighted with their own reception venues and didn’t feel they were missing out on anything at all.
As reported by The Telegraph, one guest described Prince William and Kate’s wedding reception as "the most magical party imaginable". It featured fireworks, a set by Ellie Goulding and a live band, and a guest claimed that the bride and groom were dancing throughout the night.
"The bride and groom looked so happy all the way through that it was infectious," they declared. "They danced together non-stop, as did Harry, Camilla and everyone."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
BaByliss’ Titanium Brilliance Curls is a great curling tong for those on a budget who prefer loose waves
Our contributing beauty editor tried out the tool on short hair for this thorough review
By Rebecca Fearn Published
-
Louise Redknapp just revealed how she creates her simple party-ready makeup look - her go-to products are some of the best out there on the market
Louise Redknapp's berry pink lipstick, flawless foundation and simple eyeshadow look is a failsafe makeup look we're going to recreate all through the festive party season
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton proved snuggly can still be stylish in her baseball cap, padded jacket and pretty pink Fair Isle jumper look
The Princess of Wales once went to the beach in the most cosy yet chic outfit and her style combination has given us plenty of inspiration
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's divisive sleeping set-up at Adelaide Cottage won’t be for everyone
The Prince of Wales has reportedly revealed his and Kate's sleeping set-up and they've made a decision that might divide the crowd
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s cosy turtleneck, wide-leg trousers and long coat made navy and camel one of our favourite colour combinations
The Princess of Wales stepped out in 2023 wearing a navy outfit layered with a camel coat and the contrast was sensationally striking
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite dessert is a decadent classic that she enjoys at cosy Berkshire pub
The Princess of Wales is said to love an indulgent British dessert and Prince William seemingly just confirmed it's her 'favourite'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's signature eye makeup look that's the 'epitome of timelessness' is so easy to recreate if you want instant accentuation
The Princess of Wales's 'timeless' eye makeup look involves a sweep of black eyeliner and she's shown how subtle and striking this can be
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s knitted Bardot dress is a cosy staple that'll take you from catch-ups over coffee to Christmas party glam
The Princess of Wales doesn't often wear Bardot necklines but her knitted white dress from 2019 was a versatile show-stopper
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's high street leather Chelsea boots are the chic and sturdy winter footwear we're ready to invest in for wet season
The Princess of Wales's Thea Leather Chelsea Boots by Reiss are the perfect fit for stylish outdoor dressing
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton’s pearl drop earrings are a fast-track to elegance - these alternatives are perfect for achieving this classic style
The Princess of Wales has often been spotted wearing this stunning pair of pearl drop earrings and this look is so easy to recreate
By Emma Shacklock Published