Kate Middleton ignored tradition and broke five royal protocols during this royal ceremony
During the royal wedding in 2011, Kate Middleton ignored previous traditions and opted to break these five royal protocols


Kate Middleton ignored tradition and broke five royal rules on her wedding day when she married Prince William on April 29, 2011.
- Kate Middleton reportedly broke five different protocols on her wedding day.
- The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William were married more than 10 years ago and moved away from a variety of old wedding traditions.
- In other royal news, Zara and Mike Tindall confuse Australian interviewer with their tropical background.
Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton
While it's not unusual to have your family at your wedding, Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton both had key roles in the royal wedding, which broke typical wedding traditions for royals.
Kate asked Pippa to be Maid of Honor at her wedding and Prince Harry was the Best Man for his brother Prince William. These roles are typically more prominent in American weddings and have not been relevant in previous royal weddings.
Honeymoon
Instead of going on their honeymoon straight after the wedding, the royal couple opted to stay at Buckingham Palace for a night before their holiday.
The couple then traveled from the Queen's home to the Seychelles, where they stayed on a private island for 10 days.
Pippa's dress
For Kate's wedding, she chose to wear a white Alexander McQueen wedding dress, which was specifically designed for her by Sarah Burton. Kate's sister Pippa was dressed in a white floor-length gown also designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.
According to royal tradition, bridesmaids are not supposed to wear white as this is the color that is designated for just the bride.
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.
Kate's hair
Kate Middleton's hair has always been fantastic, but royal reporters claim that rather than show off her glossy locks, the Royal Family wanted her to wear her hair up for the ceremony.
Royal expert Ashley Pearson said in a documentary called William & Kate: The Journey, "Royal sources tell me that the royals indicated very strongly to Kate that they would prefer her to wear her hair up for this very special occasion."
"However, Kate had her heart set on wearing her hair down with long flowing curls, which is her favorite way to wear it, and actually William’s favorite as well. They ended up compromising on her look."
Kate's make-up
Kate Middleton's wedding make-up was another break in royal tradition. The Duchess chose to do her own make-up for her special day so that it felt more natural and more like her normal self.
While some may see this as a risky move, the Duchess of Cambridge ensured that she loved her wedding day make-up as she went for an understated look that will stand the test of time.
Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.
-
I visited 63 countries collecting local beauty secrets - these are the 4 ingredients you need to try
A beauty editor turned travel writer shares her must-try discoveries, from calming Turkish rose to fragrant Malaysian sandalwood
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
-
Want to know how to fake tan your back without bending like a pretzel? Three tanning experts explain
You don't need to be a contortionist to tan your own back, you just need these tips
By Jess Beech Published
-
Prince George’s hilarious warning for TV star passed on by Prince William ahead of series cameo
The Prince of Wales has passed on a cheeky message from Prince George to the star of one of his new favourite shows
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's baby pink McQueen suit? I've found a dreamy Mango lookalike
The Princess of Wales's pastel pink suit was a show-stopping spring outfit and I've found something very similar at Mango
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton addresses family move and why she and Prince William swapped London for Windsor
The Princess of Wales has explained why she and Prince William moved to Berkshire in 2022 and it makes complete sense
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
We never thought we’d love jewel tones in spring but Kate Middleton’s green St Patrick’s day outfit makes it look so elegant
The Princess of Wales stepped out on St Patrick's Day wearing a gorgeous bottle green coat and matching accessories
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What wedges does Kate Middleton wear? Where to buy her summer shoe staples
Kate Middleton's wedges are an elegant option for the summer months and there are certain designs she's had in her collection for years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What Missoma earrings does Kate Middleton have? The two affordable go-tos the Princess of Wales wears on repeat
The Princess of Wales has an extensive royal jewellery collection but her affordable Missoma pieces are some of her most-worn
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pancake confession is one of the most relatable royal food revelations we've heard
The Princess of Wales once put her pancake flipping skills to the test at engagement and made a candid admission
By Emma Shacklock Published