Why Queen Elizabeth Made ‘Special’ Exception For Prince William, Kate Middleton’s Wedding

Planning a wedding is far from easy, and when Prince William began creating the guest list for his 2011 royal wedding to Kate Middleton, he felt overwhelmed. The Duke of Cambridge was reportedly crushed when he learned he wouldn’t be able to invite some of his dearest friends to the ceremony.

Luckily, he brought his concerns to Queen Elizabeth, who advised her grandson on how to proceed with the matter. In the book “Kate: A Biography,” author Marcia Moody revealed the monarch allowed her grandson to bend royal protocol so he could enjoy his wedding day.

“William was presented with a list of hundreds of people who he should invite and felt his heart sink. The occasion would 100 percent formal, with no room for their personal guest list or special touches,” Moody explained.

“He spoke to the Queen and she told him to tear up the list, invite his friends and start from there.”

When William and Kate’s big day rolled around, the Prince was surrounded by his best pals, including Thomas van Straubenzee and James Meade, who are now godfathers to Princess Charlotte.

Prior to their wedding, William reportedly promised Kate he wouldn’t allow royal expectations to completely control their lives.

“When William asked Kate to marry him, he made it very clear that she wouldn’t have to leave her family behind her once she married into his family,” explained biographer Katie Nicholl in the “Kate Middleton: Working Class to Windsor” documentary.

“He promised her that they’d always stay a part of the family and they have done. Whether it’s joining the Queen at Ascot or being on an important barge within the Queen’s fleet at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, they’ve been there,” Nicholl added.

Kate and Prince William will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary on April 29.