The personal touch on Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding tables that you'll want to take note of if you're planning a wedding
The Prince and Princess of Wales apparently made a special decision when it came to their wedding tables that fans might not know about
![Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pFLtmcifLiquYJmpmScps5-1280-80.jpg)
There was reportedly a very personal touch on Kate and Prince William's wedding tables that you might want to consider copying if you’re planning your big day.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’s magnificent royal wedding might have been watched by millions of people across the world but their receptions went on very much behind closed palace doors. The couple are still the last to receive the Buckingham Palace privilege of having their reception at this iconic residence and after the late Queen Elizabeth hosted a lunch reception for them, King Charles hosted their evening meal and party. Prince William and Kate were pictured excitedly leaving Clarence House to head back to Buckingham Palace for their evening do.
This had plenty of sweet details but we couldn’t help being especially moved by the couple’s decision for their wedding tables. According to The Telegraph reporting the day after in 2011, an unnamed guest claimed each of the reception tables had been given a very personal name.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Revelatory Biography of the Future Queen by Robert Jobson | Was £22, Now £15 on pre-order at Amazon
Author Robert Jobson has spoken to sources in the Royal Household, both on an off the record, for this enlightening biography that's set for release on 1st August. It delves into Kate's beginnings and role as future Queen and examines how she became the woman she is today.
"It looked absolutely stunning," the guest alleged. "There must have been at least 30 round tables, with 10 people on each, decorated with beautiful white flowers and candles. When we had arrived earlier, we were each given a little envelope with our table name on it, and the tables had a personal touch too - they had clearly been named after places that were special to the couple and their friends."
Table names reportedly included St Andrews, where they met at university, as well as Lewa after Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya where Prince William spent time during his gap year. It was suggested that another table was called Tetbury after the town close to King Charles’s country residence, Highgrove House, and others were supposedly given Welsh names as a nod to Kate and William’s then-home in Anglesey.
If Kate and Prince William’s wedding tables were indeed named after places that are important to them this was such a lovely way to make an occasion like a wedding reception really reflect them as a couple.
It would’ve ensured that although they publicly shared their ceremony, this part of their day was private and something that could really be appreciated by their nearest and dearest. As reported by The Telegraph, everyone at the reception was "equally important" to Prince William and Kate and the tables were supposedly a mix of royals, other family members and friends. The tables seemingly weren’t the only way the couple honoured places that are important to them at their reception.
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.
Their delicious-sounding dinner menu featured lamb with Highgrove spring vegetables and ended with a trio of desserts, including Berkshire honey ice cream. Prince William spent a lot of time at Highgrove when he was growing up, whilst Kate grew up in Berkshire, not too far from the Waleses’ current residence, Adelaide Cottage. Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast in 2020, the Princess of Wales described her "happy childhood".
"I'm very lucky I've come from a very strong family. My parents were hugely dedicated to us - myself and my siblings," she said, before later adding, "I think the things that resonate with me most are the simple things, and I think I see that even with my own children."
They used to enjoy family walks and this is something that Kate is committed to continuing now with Prince George, Charlotte and Louis.
The Princess declared, "It totally strips away all the complications, all the pressures, as a parent. I also think these experiences mean so much to children and the world that they're in, which is a real adventure for them at that age."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in 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 latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Golden style rules we can learn from French women
We asked French fashion experts how to emulate French style
By Lauren Hughes Published
-
Think head-to-toe leopard print is too much? Amanda Holden shows how elegant it can be with exquisite three-piece suit
The BGT star proved there's no such thing as too much animal print
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William mark Valentine's Day with candid romantic picture - and the caption says it all
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a new picture to celebrate Valentine's Day and it's pure romance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton won't be at the BAFTAs - but we're still dreaming of last year's sensational gown
The Princess of Wales won't be attending the BAFTAs this year and we can't stop thinking about her striking previous outfit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's raspberry pink knit and coat combination? We're taking notes for Valentine's Day
The Princess of Wales's Boden jumper from 2021 was all the inspiration you'll ever need for styling bold pink in a wearable way
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton could make special appearance at event she 'loves' alongside Prince William
The Princess of Wales could potentially attend a high-profile event with Prince William and make her first red carpet appearance of 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published