Wedding of William & Catherine: Reflections on the Royal Wedding

[PrincessKaimi]

Except for one, and to me it was one of the more magical moments of the day, which was forever missed by the BBC, and that was when The Duke of Cambridge laid eyes, 1st time on his soon to be bride. They had a faraway shot on that one, and I could have killed the director for missing the closeup on that moment. It would have been so very special to see.

You are so right. That's exactly what was missing. I wonder if the other coverage caught (we some other coverage on Reelz that we thought had footage we hadn't seen in the BBC one). I'm going to try and watch that again if it comes up (it will, it has to). But I don't recall if they caught that moment either.

 

[royaltywatcher]

Haven't posted on here in a long long time, but for this occasion...

The cameras also missed the removal of Catherine's veil (by her father--saw a still photo). Maybe there were a few moments that the families asked not be filmed up close?

A few "reflections" (good thread):

I was struck by the lack of any role for the bride's mother. This is true of any wedding, but as Catherine passed her mother on the way up the aisle, the camera focused on her (the mother) and she looked sad. I looked a few times and Catherine's head did not appear to turn towards her mother, although I'm sure her mind was on meeting her groom just ahead. I felt kind of bad that every member of the family (including the brother) was a participant but she had nothing to do.

I thought the hand-holding (don't know what else to call it) instead of the bride holding her father's or new husband's arm was very elegant, and they executed it very well. Her father is kind of adorable. Has that every been done before? I wonder who thought of it.

I was impressed by the cohesiveness of the Middleton family. The sisters and brother are clearly close, and every member of the family was impressive in his/her comportment--remarkable really for people who have never done this before.

I thought the music was amazing, and I'm not usually into orchestras or choirs.

I liked the way both brothers looked so happy when Catherine arrived at the alter. Compare that to the chilly reception Diana got.

Visually, I liked the moment when Catherine got out of the carriage back at Buckingham Palace, held William's hand, and turned around to fix something on the back of her dress or her train. There was something about the lines of that pose that looked beautiful.

 

[Osipi]

I was struck by the lack of any role for the bride's mother. This is true of any wedding, but as Catherine passed her mother on the way up the aisle, the camera focused on her (the mother) and she looked sad. I looked a few times and Catherine's head did not appear to turn towards her mother, although I'm sure her mind was on meeting her groom just ahead. I felt kind of bad that every member of the family (including the brother) was a participant but she had nothing to do.

I don't think the mothers of the bride or groom really do much during wedding ceremonies as a rule. I think when Kate was walking up the aisle with her father, Carole was really trying hard to keep her composure and not shed a few tears. Mothers are known to have to reach for a tissue or two at a child's wedding and I'm no exception. I would also imagine that should William's mother still be alive, she'd also have had the same role in the wedding as Kate's mom did... sit there and look on proudly.

I think one of my favorite recollections of the wedding (although I didn't know what was said until afterward) was when William quipped to his almost father-in-law "This was supposed to be a small family wedding" or something similar. At that moment, you could see and feel the closeness of family.

 

[angieuk]

Forget Kate Middleton's dress, it's Princess Diana's bridal gown that's drawing millions across the world | Mail Online

 

[miamifla]

You are so right. That's exactly what was missing. I wonder if the other coverage caught (we some other coverage on Reelz that we thought had footage we hadn't seen in the BBC one). I'm going to try and watch that again if it comes up (it will, it has to). But I don't recall if they caught that moment either.

Would love a report on that Princess, please see if you can watch it and report back to us.

 

[jdcharlie]

I thought the whole event was really lovely. The music was amazing. Kate's walk down the aisle was gorgeous. Quite a moment. I loved the solemnity of the service peppered with sweet glances by the slightly nervous couple. The walk back down the aisle was pretty spectacular too. I loved the pause at the door. You could see the nerves flying away. The reaction in Hyde Park to that moment was a sight to see.

I loved the excitement they shared on the carriage ride back and when Kate bowed her head while William saluted. I especially loved the moment under the arch when they held hands, and then William was so careful helping her out of the carriage. The "Oh, wow" moment on the balcony was very real. Watching William turn red after the second kiss, which he initiated, cracked me up. The fact that the crowd and everyone else seemed to really enjoy the day too was icing on the cake. And seeing a content and happy Kate and William hold hands the next day was the cherry on top.

 

[jdcharlie]

Lots and lots of great moments in the service, but the one that shone out of all was Prince Harry's cheeky look at Kate, and then turning to his brother and smiling and saying, "Wait til you see her"......that was amazing.

The best part was that William couldn't resist a look after that comment. In the wide shot you can see him sneaking a peek.

 

[Sonjapearl]

I just re-watched the part where they took their vows. I kind of wished Catherine raised her voice more, but then again it was such a sweet moment. She handled herself very well and admirably.

The whole ceremony was beautiful. It doesn't bother me that there was a lack of emotion. I mean, its the British royals, known for their stiff upper lip.

ETA: I am also so happy for William. He's been so much difficulties and sadness, and here he is with happiness in his life. His mother is smiling down on him.

 

[Mystiblue]

Is there a close up photo of Pippa's dress. I particularly like the ? fringe around the sleeves and neckline.

 

[Mia_mae]

The reaction in Hyde Park to that moment was a sight to see.

On Youtube there are many videos with public's reaction. From Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park. My favorite is the cheers after the "I declared that they be Husband and Wife" and when He struggle to put the ring. You can hear the crowd going "oooooooOOOh ..... yeay!"

During the ceremony they seemed to be very focus, and when Catherine spoke I could barely hear her. Perhaps she saw all those speakers outside and after realizing some would only hear her voice, she decided to speak very softly!
in one of the many times I have re-watched the wedding you can see how sweet she sounded when saying "I will". Got me teary .
Some of the photos I've seen since, I actually couldn't remember from the ceremony itself, like how they would smile every time the crowd would cheer!

about the balcony appearance. I love it (hence, my avi picture ). How he got all blushing after the 2nd one and Kate patted his back! Presh!
On Getty site there is a video with a wider shoot of the whole thing (different from BBC'), so you can see the reaction from the bridesmaids and pageboys. After people started chanting "kiss again", Tom Pettyfer, William Lowther-Pinkerton and little Marguerita started to look at couple almost like saying "so?? " It worked!

Also: when they were exchanging vows, you could see their families and friends on the back. Peter Phillips couldn't stop smiling! Very nice

 

[lazuli]

[QUOTE=Frideswide;1246770]I honestly think that Diana would have been the mother-in-law from hell.

And from what I could see, it was the Duke of York who looked sadder than anyone else.[/QUOTE]


My feelings exactly!!!

 

[zanderfilms]

I loved it - in fact, I wish it could happen all over again! I'm looking forward to following the new couple Sorry to plug here, but my brother and I edited together a little montage of the Royal Wedding and would really appreciate your opinions Just thought it fit the idea of reflecting on the big day x
YouTube - The Royal Wedding Highlights Montage

 

[LOSSEAN]

I honestly think that Diana would have been the mother-in-law from hell.

What a hilarious memorable part of the wedding...
But seriously, she would be the most perfect mother-in-law. And Camilla is doing a wonderful job filling in her shoes for that role.

 

[Regal1]

Also: when they were exchanging vows, you could see their families and friends on the back. Peter Phillips couldn't stop smiling! Very nice

Beautiful moment indeed!

Is there a close up photo of Pippa's dress. I particularly like the ? fringe around the sleeves and neckline.

Pippa's dress was divine. I'd love to see a close up of the detailing as well.

 

[charlottestreasures]

I loved it - in fact, I wish it could happen all over again! I'm looking forward to following the new couple Sorry to plug here, but my brother and I edited together a little montage of the Royal Wedding and would really appreciate your opinions Just thought it fit the idea of reflecting on the big day xhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5m2BtH4E3Y

That was beautiful. Wonderful editing job.
Great way to watch the highlights.
Thank You.

 

[mary stuart]

i enjoyed the wedding its a joyful and a solemn occasion i lked cathrines dress and the tiara. i watched the wedding of charles and diana when i small so me and my daughter watched this wedding althouh my girl whos six said mummy wheres my dress and am in the photos it was a lovely day which we enjoyed

 

[grammas26]

It was a great day and a joyous occasion. I am grateful to the BRF for televising it. Hope for every happiness to the newlyweds and that it continues their whole lives. Love ALL of it. The kids were especially cute.

 

[sirhon11234]

This was a beatiful wedding I missed a class to watch it and I don't regret it. Kate looked beautiful, the abbey looked so warm compared to 14 years ago when it looked cold and empty in a way. I loved the atmosphere of that day I wish I was in London partaking in all of those festivities.

 

[Fürstin Taxis]

Wasn´t impressed.
I still know how we celebrated Victorias wedding. This one was cold and it looked like: yes, you saw the bride, now go home!

 

[Princess of Durham]

Apparently people didn't pay attention to that since they partied into the night.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Question:
Why did Michael and William hold Kate's hand up like that? Were they told not to link arms for a specific reason?

 

[Zonk]

What I like about the wedding (but you have to pay attention to it) are the shots of the famillies (mainly the BRF) while the ceremony going on. Serena Linley and James Olgivy had big smiles when William and Harry came in (before Kate started her walk) and Peter Phillips when William and Catherine are saying their vows.

 

[MRSJ]

Question:
Why did Michael and William hold Kate's hand up like that? Were they told not to link arms for a specific reason?

I think- and others may know better- that is the formal/correct(?) way to escort a lady but I'm not sure on that.....

It's funny on my wedding day my husband actully walked me into the reception like that when we were presented and I thought it actually sweet like he was 'presenting' me but in a proud look at my gorgeous new wife way!

 

[Burzg]

Americans love William and Kate | Facebook

 

[Sister Morphine]

Question:
Why did Michael and William hold Kate's hand up like that? Were they told not to link arms for a specific reason?

I sincerely doubt so. I'm fairly certain it was personal preference, nothing more.

 

[nancybee]

It was the first Royal wedding I had watched. I did not see Princess Diana's wedding (until after she had died) and did not see Sarah Ferguson's wedding. It was fun watching Prince Williams wedding. We recorded it on TiVo because there was no way we were getting up at 5 a.m. in the morning (U.S. time). We watched the BBC channel which was alot better than NBC (Lauer and Viera so annoying). It was nice but a lot different than Princess Diana's wedding. I was a little shocked at Earl Spencer. All of his red hair was gone and I understand he was with his soon to be 3rd wife. Prince Charles had a sadness in his eyes. Some of the hats some women wore were ridiculous.

Prince William's bride was beautiful. She was glowing with happiness. I know that alot of people were thinking how sad that Prince William's mother wasn't there.

I loved at the end that Prince William and Catherine rode off in the snazzy car. I hope that they have a wonderful life together.

 

[RoyalistRiley]

This was the first major royal event I have watched and I must say, I could hardly sit still I was so excited. I watched the BBC coverage in its entirety on one of the pay-TV channels here in Australia and I was very impressed by the overall program, especially how the hose was silent for virtually the entirety of the service. Unfortionately, this meant that I was forced to provide commentary for my grandparents and therefore spent most of it saying things like "And just at the bottom of screen in Crown Princess of Victoria of Sweden looking lovely in that orange ensemble" and "The Archbishop of Cantebury, the most senior anglican cleric, is the one coming towards Wills and Kate" and so on.

Despite this, I was still somewhat awestruck by the whole occasion. I did tear up a bit when Kate walked up the aisle to "I was glad" by Parry - which happens to be one of my favourite pieces of all time - and felt rather emotional for most of the service. I am pretty sure my heart almost stopped when the ring didn't go on automatically, but my fears were allayed and I continued to be silenced by the shear pomp and glory of the occasion. I felt thoroughly carried away with the sense of majesty of the wedding and decided to sing along to "God Save the Queen" regardless of my non-existant singing abilities.



I thought that the bride looked beautiful and the rest of the Royal Family looked very nice, although Zara Phillips hat was a bit silly in my opinion. Princess Alexandra and the Countess of Wessex were the best dressed in my opinion, alongside Crown Princess Victoria and Pippa Middleton.

The procession back to the Palace was also lovely to watch, especially the fleet of buses arriving only shortly after the carriages and mounted soldiers.

In my opinion, the balcony appearance topped off a wonderful day, especially when Prince Charles had to hold Camilla's granddaughter and the flowergirl who wasnt coping with the noise. The Royal Wedding was, in my young and idealistic opinion, the greatest television programming I have ever seen. The Royal Family has recieved a much needed boost, even here in Australia, and I think this is indeed the beginning of a new era for the Widnsors. I wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all the best and cannot wait for the next glorious royal event of this scale.

 

[RoyalistRiley]

Taped NBC but watched CNN (mostly). Was disappointed that the foreign royals' arrival at the Abbey wasn't televised!

I was disappointed the BBC didn't show many foreign royals either, and it didn't bother discussing the one's they did show. Overall I found the BBC's coverage superb, but I would have preferred David Dimbleby over Huw Edwards

 

[fandesacs2003]

We say for all bride's gowns :
Something new : Her earrings
Something old : Diana's ring
Something blu : Diana's ring
Someting borrowed The tiara

Is that correct for Catherine's dress????

 

[Zonk]

Let's stay on topic...this thread isn't about Diana.