Princess Kate caused ‘panic at the Palace’ with unusual wedding request
The Princess of Wales had an unusual request on her 2011 wedding day to Prince William.
Princess Catherine had one unusual request (Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Princess Catherine is one of the least controversial members of the Royal Family, however, there was one time when she sparked panic at the Palace. This was in the lead-up to her 2011 wedding day to Prince William, when Catherine reportedly did not want to follow one tradition.
This was the mode of transport she used to travel to Westminster Abbey to marry Prince William. While other royal brides in the past had taken a traditional horse and carriage, this was reportedly not something Catherine wanted.
Instead, she wanted to go by car, which reportedly caused some worries behind palace walls.
Princess Kate wanted to arrive at her wedding “in a 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that had been gifted by the manufacturer to The Queen on her Silver Jubilee”.
In his new book, William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, royal expert Russell Myers said: “Courtiers were also surprised when Catherine announced her wish not to travel in the traditional horse-drawn Glass Coach, as used by Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as Queen Elizabeth.
“As much as tradition was at the forefront of her mind, Catherine wanted a modern slant on the proceedings and was of the view that she was not yet a ‘princess’ who would use such a mode of transport.”
Catherine’s choice of car caused panic as it was the same car that had been attacked by protestors before when King Charles and Queen Camilla were inside it.
Princess Catherine turned up to the wedding in a car rather than a carriage (Image: GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Myers explained: “This (Catherine’s choice of car) prompted panic at the palace, who feared that an alternative vehicle might be necessary: in December 2010, vandals had splattered the car with white paint and smashed a rear window as [King] Charles and [Queen] Camilla were heading to the Royal Variety Performance.
“An immediate review was undertaken by the Metropolitan Police, with extra briefings to all officers to remain vigilant for similar protests.”
Princess Catherine arrived at her wedding with no problems, with her father, Michael Middleton, by her side.
The princess looked delighted as she stepped out of the car and inside Westminster Abbey to marry Prince William, with whom she is celebrating 15 years of marriage today.
