Royal Wedding 2011

His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Her Royal Highness Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, were married on 29 April 2011 in Westminster Abbey in London.

The Royal Couple planned for their wedding day to be enjoyable for as many people as possible - not only in the UK, but also in the Commonwealth Realms and across the rest of the world. You can find out more through the Official Royal Wedding website or on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

The wedding blended both traditional and modern British values. It marked the start of a tremendously exciting period for the UK, when the world will be watching - and celebrating with us. 2012 will be the Diamond Jubilee Year: the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. In July, London will host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During this time, we’re confident that Britain will show not only why it is one of the most exciting places to live, visit and work in the world – but also why it is such an open, connected, dynamic and creative country, that successfully combines history and tradition with modernity and innovation.    

In our See Britain short film below, prominent British and British-based experts in their field explain how Britain’s openness, connectivity, dynamism and creativity have helped them succeed. Contributors include Mustaq Ahmed (cricketer), Raymond Blanc (chef), Kwame Kwei-Armah (actor and playwright) and Zeinab Badawi (news reporter and presenter).

The Royal Wedding was a national holiday and day of celebration across Britain. From St Andrews in Scotland to St Albans in England, Portrush in Northern Ireland to Port Talbot in Wales, friends and neighbours celebrated the wedding at home and in colourful street parties. Thousands more were in London to soak up the atmosphere and try and get a glimpse of the Royal Couple.

The service took place in the Gothic splendour of Westminster Abbey, with the Couple returning from the Abbey in a horse-drawn State carriage and greeting the crowds outside from the balcony of the Palace.

The wedding guests represented many sections of modern British society, and included charity workers, religious leaders, serving and former military personnel, musicians and sportsmen and women. The Royal Couple asked any member of the public who might wish to give them a wedding gift to consider giving instead to a charitable fund via the donation website.