Aug. 24, 2025
7. The Eve Before
The night before the royal wedding brings nervous anticipation as London transforms into a festival of patriotism. Kate spends her final evening as a commoner with her family at the exclusive Goring Hotel, while William shares a quiet dinner with Charles and Harry at Clarence House. Westminster Abbey undergoes its final transformation with living maple trees and symbolic flowers. Security teams conduct last-minute checks across the capital as private emotions and public expectations collide on the eve of the most anticipated royal event in decades.
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed! You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
We now have Merch! FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com
Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com
WEBVTT
1
00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:12.480
Callaroga Shark Media. The evening of April twenty eighth, twenty
2
00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:18.440
eleven settled over London like a veil of anticipation. The mall,
3
00:00:18.839 --> 00:00:23.359
that grand Royal Boulevard stretching from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace,
4
00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:26.519
had transformed into a sea of red, white and blue.
5
00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:31.960
Thousands of royal enthusiasts from across Britain and around the
6
00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:35.520
world had already claimed their viewing spots for the following
7
00:00:35.560 --> 00:00:40.640
day's royal wedding, armed with tents, sleeping bags, and seemingly
8
00:00:40.759 --> 00:00:54.880
inexhaustible enthusiasm. This is Crown and Controversy Episode seven. The
9
00:00:54.920 --> 00:01:08.920
eve before, as darkness fell, the atmosphere was electric, a
10
00:01:08.959 --> 00:01:12.760
curious blend of state occasion, a national festival that the
11
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:19.120
British do so uniquely well. Impromptu street parties formed among strangers,
12
00:01:19.359 --> 00:01:24.280
suddenly united by their shared excitement. Flags fluttered from lampposts,
13
00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:28.920
Buildings were illuminated in patriotic colors, and television crews from
14
00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:32.640
every corner of the globe broadcast live from temporary studios
15
00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:37.439
hastily constructed along the procession route. Yet away from this
16
00:01:37.599 --> 00:01:42.599
carnival of anticipation, in three separate London locations. The central
17
00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:45.959
players in tomorrow's royal drama spent their final evening of
18
00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:51.959
preparation in strikingly different circumstances at the Goring Hotel, an
19
00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:57.319
elegant Edwardian establishment in Belgravia. Catherine Middleton was ensconced with
20
00:01:57.359 --> 00:02:01.920
her family in the royal suite. The five star hotel
21
00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:04.840
had been booked in its entirety for the Middleton party,
22
00:02:05.239 --> 00:02:09.439
an unprecedented arrangement that ensured total privacy for the bride
23
00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:13.599
on her last night as a commoner. The suite itself
24
00:02:13.639 --> 00:02:17.360
had been renovated specifically for this occasion at a reported
25
00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:21.360
cost of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds. Its bathroom
26
00:02:21.479 --> 00:02:25.840
featured a waterproof television, its shower could accommodate two people,
27
00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:31.400
and original artwork adorned walls freshly painted with silk. Yet
28
00:02:31.439 --> 00:02:36.159
despite these luxuries, the atmosphere within was remarkably normal, a
29
00:02:36.199 --> 00:02:42.000
family gathering rather than a royal production, According to hotel staff,
30
00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:45.759
who later spoke discreetly about the evening, Kate spent quiet
31
00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:50.159
hours with her parents Michael and Carol, and siblings Pippa
32
00:02:50.199 --> 00:02:53.319
and James. They shared a simple dinner in the suite
33
00:02:53.520 --> 00:02:58.639
rather than utilizing the hotel's renowned restaurant, Champagne was served,
34
00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:02.879
but in moderation, everyone acutely aware of the importance of
35
00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:08.159
clear heads for the following day's events, Kate was remarkably calm.
36
00:03:08.360 --> 00:03:12.719
One hotel employee later revealed there were no Bridezilla moments,
37
00:03:13.199 --> 00:03:17.840
no last minute panics. She seemed completely ready, both practically
38
00:03:18.120 --> 00:03:23.759
and emotionally. The wedding dress, still the most closely guarded
39
00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:27.599
secret in Britain, hung in a specially constructed closet under
40
00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:33.000
constant security surveillance. The Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation
41
00:03:33.319 --> 00:03:36.479
had been transported to the hotel in a garment bag
42
00:03:36.560 --> 00:03:40.039
that revealed nothing of its design, while staff involved in
43
00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:44.680
its creation had signed non disclosure agreements with financial penalties
44
00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:49.759
so severe they insured absolute silence. In the sweet's living room,
45
00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:54.120
Carol Middleton reportedly gave her daughter a small package, a
46
00:03:54.159 --> 00:03:57.560
gift to be opened that night. Inside were sapphire and
47
00:03:57.639 --> 00:04:01.360
diamond earrings, designed to complement the famous engagement ring that
48
00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:06.240
had once belonged to Diana. This private moment between mother
49
00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:11.000
and daughter, away from royal protocol and palace traditions, symbolized
50
00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:14.439
the grounding influence the Middletons would continue to provide. As
51
00:04:14.520 --> 00:04:19.199
Kate entered the House of Windsor. Across town. At Clarence House,
52
00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:23.000
the official London residence of the Prince of Wales, Williams
53
00:04:23.040 --> 00:04:25.879
spent his last night as a bachelor with his father,
54
00:04:26.040 --> 00:04:30.480
Charles and brother Harry. The three men shared a quiet dinner,
55
00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:35.000
served by staff who had known William since childhood. The meal,
56
00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:40.480
according to palace sources, was accompanied by reminiscence rather than revelry,
57
00:04:41.680 --> 00:04:47.120
stories of William's boyhood, gentle teasing between brothers, and occasionally
58
00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:53.519
poignant silences when thoughts of Diana inevitably arose. The absence
59
00:04:53.560 --> 00:04:56.480
of the Princess of Wales was felt most acutely that night.
60
00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:00.079
One former staff member later confided there was an had
61
00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:03.279
no need to mention her name. Her presence lingered in
62
00:05:03.360 --> 00:05:07.319
every room, particularly on the eve of her eldest son's wedding.
63
00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:12.399
After dinner, William reportedly retreated to his rooms to review
64
00:05:12.399 --> 00:05:15.759
his uniform and the order of service one final time.
65
00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:20.040
The second in line to the throne, known for his thoroughness,
66
00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:25.800
wanted no surprises on the day itself. Meanwhile, Harry, taking
67
00:05:25.879 --> 00:05:30.240
his best man duties seriously confirmed arrangements for the following morning,
68
00:05:30.519 --> 00:05:35.000
while battling what friends later described as complicated emotions about
69
00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:40.439
his brother's milestone. For Harry, the wedding preparations had stirred
70
00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:45.199
complex feelings, genuine happiness for William, mingled with awareness of
71
00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:49.040
his own unmarried state and the contrast between their increasingly
72
00:05:49.079 --> 00:05:54.800
divergent roles. As William stepped more firmly into his destiny
73
00:05:54.959 --> 00:05:59.040
as future King, Harry's own position as the spare felt
74
00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:03.800
increasingly ill. Harry put on a brave face that week,
75
00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:08.000
one close friend later revealed, but watching William take this
76
00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:11.720
step toward his future while Harry's own path remained unclear,
77
00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:15.560
was harder than he let onto anyone, even his brother.
78
00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:21.319
At Buckingham Palace, the third point in this royal triangle,
79
00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:27.199
Queen Elizabeth oversaw final preparations with characteristic attention to detail.
80
00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:33.040
Despite having witnessed eleven previous royal weddings during her reign,
81
00:06:33.519 --> 00:06:38.439
the monarch took nothing for granted. Walking through the palace
82
00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:41.800
rooms where the afternoon reception would be held, she noticed
83
00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:45.879
a painting hanging slightly crooked and personally instructed staff on
84
00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:50.240
its adjustment, a small act that typified her hands on
85
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:55.319
approach to royal occasions. The Queen had taken a particular
86
00:06:55.399 --> 00:06:59.240
interest in this wedding, recognizing its significance not just for
87
00:06:59.279 --> 00:07:04.519
her grandson but for the monarchy itself. After decades of
88
00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:09.680
royal divorces, scandals, and the trauma of Diana's death, William
89
00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:13.079
and Kate's union represented hope for a more stable future,
90
00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:16.480
a chance to reconnect the crown with the affections of
91
00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:21.600
the British people. That evening, the Queen spoke by telephone
92
00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:24.839
with several Commonwealth heads of state who would be attending
93
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:28.399
the following day. She also spent time with her husband,
94
00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:32.399
Prince Philip, reviewing the guest list one final time and
95
00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:38.480
discussing the complex politics of seating arrangements. At ninety years old,
96
00:07:38.600 --> 00:07:42.600
the Duke of Edinburgh remained her closest adviser and strongest support,
97
00:07:43.079 --> 00:07:48.040
particularly for family occasions that mixed public duty with private emotion.
98
00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:05.279
Beyond these three central locations, London itself was transforming Westminster Abbey,
99
00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:09.279
the historic coronation church dating back over a thousand years,
100
00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:12.040
had been closed to the public for three days of
101
00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:17.560
intensive preparations inside eight twenty foot English field maple trees
102
00:08:17.959 --> 00:08:21.879
created a living avenue leading to the altar, a garden
103
00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:26.000
brought indoors at Kate's request to soften the Gothic grandeur
104
00:08:26.040 --> 00:08:31.439
of the ancient architecture. The floral arrangements, designed by Shane Connolly,
105
00:08:31.920 --> 00:08:37.440
incorporated meaningful blooms Lily of the Valley representing return of happiness,
106
00:08:38.200 --> 00:08:42.679
Sweet William for gallantry, Hyacinth for constancy of love, and
107
00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:46.559
myrtle grown from a sprig planted by Queen Victoria in
108
00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:52.039
eighteen forty five, symbolizing marriage and love. Each flower had
109
00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:55.799
been carefully selected not just for appearance but for symbolism,
110
00:08:56.240 --> 00:09:02.320
reflecting Kate's attention to meaningful detail. Outside the abbey, security
111
00:09:02.360 --> 00:09:08.559
reached unprecedented levels. Snipers positioned themselves on rooftops, manhole covers
112
00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:12.240
along the procession route were sealed, and under cover officers
113
00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:16.799
mingled with the growing crowds. The Metropolitan Police deployed five
114
00:09:16.879 --> 00:09:21.240
thousand officers, their largest royal wedding operation in history, at
115
00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:25.639
an estimated cost of twenty million pounds. For many of
116
00:09:25.679 --> 00:09:29.879
the officers, the assignment represented a challenge unlike any other,
117
00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:36.519
maintaining absolute vigilance against potential threats while preserving the celebratory atmosphere.
118
00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:42.080
Their presence needed to be reassuring without being intimidating, visible,
119
00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:47.120
without being intrusive. The security operation for the Royal wedding
120
00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:51.919
was like conducting an invisible orchestra. The former Metropolitan Police
121
00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:55.759
Commissioner later wrote, Every element had to work in perfect
122
00:09:55.799 --> 00:09:59.399
harmony without the audience ever becoming aware of the conductor.
123
00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:07.399
Media preparation reached similarly extraordinary proportions. Over seven thousand journalists
124
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:10.639
had been accredited to cover the wedding, more than for
125
00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:13.759
the two than twelve London Olympics that would follow a
126
00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:20.720
year later. Television networks from six continents had constructed temporary studios,
127
00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:24.960
Satellites were repositioned to ensure global coverage, and an estimated
128
00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:28.879
two billion people worldwide were expected to watch the ceremony live.
129
00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:35.399
In the BBC's broadcasting headquarters, final rehearsals continued late into
130
00:10:35.399 --> 00:10:41.360
the night. Presenters practiced their commentary, technicians tested equipment, and
131
00:10:41.440 --> 00:10:45.200
directors ran through countless scenarios to ensure they could capture
132
00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:51.159
every significant moment. The weight of expectation was enormous. This
133
00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:54.519
broadcast would become the historical record of a day many
134
00:10:54.639 --> 00:10:59.080
viewed as defining for a generation of the monarchy. Meanwhile,
135
00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:03.799
in hotels across London, the wedding guests were arriving royalty
136
00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:09.200
from across Europe. Dignitaries from Commonwealth nations, celebrities and family
137
00:11:09.240 --> 00:11:13.240
friends checked into establishments that had been booked solid for months.
138
00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:19.360
The Goring's sister hotel, the Ritz, accommodated foreign royalty, including
139
00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:24.080
the Prince of Monaco and his fiancee. The Dorchester housed
140
00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:29.480
Middle Eastern royal families, while Claridge's welcomed European nobility. Notable
141
00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:33.279
in their preparations were members of the Spencer family, Diana's
142
00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:36.919
siblings and their children, whose presence at the wedding carried
143
00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:43.399
particular emotional significance. Earl Spencer, William's uncle, who had spoken
144
00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:47.360
so memorably at Diana's funeral, made no public comments in
145
00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:50.679
the lead up to the wedding, maintaining the dignified distance
146
00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.480
he had established from the royal family in the years
147
00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:58.720
following his sister's death. One group conspicuously absent from these
148
00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:04.600
preparations was the extended Middleton family. Unlike royal weddings past,
149
00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:10.399
where aristocratic connections meant dozens of relatives automatically qualified for invitations,
150
00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:16.960
Kate's extended family had been more selectively included. This more
151
00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:20.240
intimate approach reflected the couple's desire to have a royal
152
00:12:20.279 --> 00:12:25.679
wedding that, despite its grandeur, maintained personal meaning for those
153
00:12:25.679 --> 00:12:31.639
who had received invitations. Dress preparations reached fever pitch. Milliners
154
00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:35.120
across London worked through the night on last minute adjustments
155
00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:38.759
to the elaborate hats that would feature prominently in coverage.
156
00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:43.919
The following day, Jewelers from the Queen's preferred establishments delivered
157
00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:48.399
heirlooms from secure vaults to their aristocratic owners, while security
158
00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:52.480
teams accompanied the Queen's own priceless collection as it was
159
00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:55.600
transferred from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace for
160
00:12:55.639 --> 00:13:11.039
her use. As midnight approached, the mall had transformed into
161
00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:15.519
a makeshift campsite. Thousands of well wishers, determined to secure
162
00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:18.799
prime viewing positions for the procession, had settled in for
163
00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:22.720
a night under the stars. Many wore pajamas beneath coats
164
00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:27.799
and clutched hot beverages against the spring chill. Union jack
165
00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:32.200
flags served as blankets, picnic hampers as pillows, and the
166
00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:37.840
collective excitement as warmth against the cool April night. Among
167
00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:40.840
these devoted royal watchers were people who had traveled across
168
00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:45.799
continents for this moment, Australians who had flown twenty four hours,
169
00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:48.840
Americans who had saved for years to make the trip
170
00:13:49.320 --> 00:13:52.399
South Africans who remembered the Queen's visit to their country
171
00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:57.679
decades earlier. The crowd represented a microcosm of the Commonwealth
172
00:13:57.679 --> 00:14:01.799
and beyond, a living testament to the continued global fascination
173
00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:06.200
with the British monarchy. There's nothing like this anywhere else
174
00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:09.519
in the world, observed one Canadian who had queued for
175
00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:13.480
eighteen hours to secure her position. It's not just about
176
00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:17.559
the Royals, it's about being part of history, about witnessing
177
00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:22.440
a moment that will be remembered for generations. The atmosphere
178
00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:26.120
along the mall combined the camaraderie of a festival with
179
00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:31.919
the anticipation of a historical milestone. Strangers shared food and stories,
180
00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:37.320
Royal anecdotes were exchanged, and impromptu singalongs broke out. God
181
00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:41.840
Save the Queen and Rule Britannia, Echoing against the facades
182
00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:47.200
of royal buildings. Inside Buckingham Palace, lights burned late into
183
00:14:47.200 --> 00:14:52.039
the night as staff completed final preparations. The Royal kitchens
184
00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:55.960
worked at full capacity, preparing elements of the reception menu
185
00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:59.480
that could be made in advance. Chefs under the direction
186
00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:03.440
of Mark Flannagan created cannapes designed to be eaten in
187
00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:08.639
two bites, preventing unfortunate photographs of guests with overfilled mouths
188
00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:14.480
and containing predominantly British ingredients. The wedding Cake, an eight
189
00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:18.519
tier traditional fruitcake by baker Fiona Cairns, stood in the
190
00:15:18.559 --> 00:15:23.960
picture gallery, its elaborate decorations, including seventeen different flower designs
191
00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:29.399
chosen by Kate for their symbolic meanings. Alongside it stood
192
00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:33.919
a chocolate biscuit cake specially requested by William, a childhood
193
00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:37.840
favorite made from a recipe favored by his grandmother, the Queen.
194
00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:42.799
In the Palace ballroom, a band rehearsed for the evening reception,
195
00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:47.360
running through a playlist that combined traditional royal favorites with
196
00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:53.039
contemporary selections reflecting the couple's personal tastes. The dance floor
197
00:15:53.080 --> 00:15:57.559
had been specially installed, lighting tested, and sound levels adjusted
198
00:15:57.600 --> 00:16:01.399
to create the perfect atmosphere for the primett celebration that
199
00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:05.759
would follow the more formal afternoon reception. As the early
200
00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:09.559
hours of April twenty ninth approached, activity continued in the
201
00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:13.960
Palace Press Office, where final statements were prepared and embargoed
202
00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:17.960
information organized for release at precise times the following day.
203
00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:23.639
The machine of royal communication, honed over centuries, but now
204
00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:26.799
adapted for the age of social media and twenty four
205
00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:31.639
hour news, worked with quiet efficiency. At the Goring Hotel,
206
00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:35.759
Kate reportedly slept surprisingly well on her final night as
207
00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:40.320
a commoner. Her sister Pippa remained close by, prepared for
208
00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:44.519
any last minute concerns, while security teams maintained a vigilant
209
00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:49.039
presence throughout the building. The dress, perhaps the most eagerly
210
00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:54.159
anticipated element of the day, remained under constant surveillance. A
211
00:16:54.240 --> 00:16:58.000
few miles away at Clarence House, William apparently found sleep
212
00:16:58.120 --> 00:17:01.639
more elusive, according to Ue to his later admission, he
213
00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:05.200
managed about half an hour, his mind filled with thoughts
214
00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:09.680
of the day ahead and memories of his mother. Harry, ever,
215
00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:14.559
the supportive brother, despite his own complex emotions, reportedly checked
216
00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:18.680
on William multiple times through the night, offering quiet reassurance.
217
00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:24.839
As dawn broke over London on April twenty ninth, twenty eleven,
218
00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:29.720
The transformation was complete. Overnight, the capital had become the
219
00:17:29.799 --> 00:17:35.279
stage for a royal production unprecedented in scale and global interest.
220
00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:38.720
The cloudy skies that had threatened rain began to clear,
221
00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:43.720
a meteorological blessing that many would later interpret as auspicious.
222
00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:47.720
The final hours before the ceremony took on an almost
223
00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:52.359
dreamlike quality for the principal participants. Kate waking in the
224
00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:57.480
Goring began the process of transformation from commoner to royal bride.
225
00:17:58.759 --> 00:18:02.279
William at Clarence House prepared to step into the role
226
00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:05.160
that birth and destiny had assigned him, though in a
227
00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:08.880
manner more personally fulfilling than many had predicted years earlier.
228
00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:14.680
Across London, final security sweeps were conducted, horses of the
229
00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:18.880
household cavalry were groomed to gleaming perfection, and the doors
230
00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:23.640
of Westminster Abbey prepared for their opening. The stage was set,
231
00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:28.799
the actors ready, the audience, both physically present and watching worldwide,
232
00:18:29.160 --> 00:18:34.039
poised in anticipation. What would unfold over the coming hours
233
00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:37.680
would become not just a personal milestone for William and Catherine,
234
00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:42.440
but a defining moment for the modern monarchy. Their wedding
235
00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:48.119
would combine centuries of tradition with contemporary relevance, royal protocol
236
00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:53.680
with personal touches, public spectacle with private meaning. For Catherine Middleton,
237
00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:57.319
the day ahead would transform her from a private citizen
238
00:18:57.599 --> 00:19:01.039
to a royal duchess, the culmination of a journey from
1
00:00:03.200 --> 00:00:12.480
2
00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:18.440
3
00:00:18.839 --> 00:00:23.359
4
00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:26.519
5
00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:31.960
6
00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:35.520
7
00:00:35.560 --> 00:00:40.640
8
00:00:40.759 --> 00:00:54.880
9
00:00:54.920 --> 00:01:08.920
10
00:01:08.959 --> 00:01:12.760
11
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:19.120
12
00:01:19.359 --> 00:01:24.280
13
00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:28.920
14
00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:32.640
15
00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:37.439
16
00:01:37.599 --> 00:01:42.599
17
00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:45.959
18
00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:51.959
19
00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:57.319
20
00:01:57.359 --> 00:02:01.920
21
00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:04.840
22
00:02:05.239 --> 00:02:09.439
23
00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:13.599
24
00:02:13.639 --> 00:02:17.360
25
00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:21.360
26
00:02:21.479 --> 00:02:25.840
27
00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:31.400
28
00:02:31.439 --> 00:02:36.159
29
00:02:36.199 --> 00:02:42.000
30
00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:45.759
31
00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:50.159
32
00:02:50.199 --> 00:02:53.319
33
00:02:53.520 --> 00:02:58.639
34
00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:02.879
35
00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:08.159
36
00:03:08.360 --> 00:03:12.719
37
00:03:13.199 --> 00:03:17.840
38
00:03:18.120 --> 00:03:23.759
39
00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:27.599
40
00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:33.000
41
00:03:33.319 --> 00:03:36.479
42
00:03:36.560 --> 00:03:40.039
43
00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:44.680
44
00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:49.759
45
00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:54.120
46
00:03:54.159 --> 00:03:57.560
47
00:03:57.639 --> 00:04:01.360
48
00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:06.240
49
00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:11.000
50
00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:14.439
51
00:04:14.520 --> 00:04:19.199
52
00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:23.000
53
00:04:23.040 --> 00:04:25.879
54
00:04:26.040 --> 00:04:30.480
55
00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:35.000
56
00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:40.480
57
00:04:41.680 --> 00:04:47.120
58
00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:53.519
59
00:04:53.560 --> 00:04:56.480
60
00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:00.079
61
00:05:00.120 --> 00:05:03.279
62
00:05:03.360 --> 00:05:07.319
63
00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:12.399
64
00:05:12.399 --> 00:05:15.759
65
00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:20.040
66
00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:25.800
67
00:05:25.879 --> 00:05:30.240
68
00:05:30.519 --> 00:05:35.000
69
00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:40.439
70
00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:45.199
71
00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:49.040
72
00:05:49.079 --> 00:05:54.800
73
00:05:54.959 --> 00:05:59.040
74
00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:03.800
75
00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:08.000
76
00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:11.720
77
00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:15.560
78
00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:21.319
79
00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:27.199
80
00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:33.040
81
00:06:33.519 --> 00:06:38.439
82
00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:41.800
83
00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:45.879
84
00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:50.240
85
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:55.319
86
00:06:55.399 --> 00:06:59.240
87
00:06:59.279 --> 00:07:04.519
88
00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:09.680
89
00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:13.079
90
00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:16.480
91
00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:21.600
92
00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:24.839
93
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:28.399
94
00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:32.399
95
00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:38.480
96
00:07:38.600 --> 00:07:42.600
97
00:07:43.079 --> 00:07:48.040
98
00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:05.279
99
00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:09.279
100
00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:12.040
101
00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:17.560
102
00:08:17.959 --> 00:08:21.879
103
00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:26.000
104
00:08:26.040 --> 00:08:31.439
105
00:08:31.920 --> 00:08:37.440
106
00:08:38.200 --> 00:08:42.679
107
00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:46.559
108
00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:52.039
109
00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:55.799
110
00:08:56.240 --> 00:09:02.320
111
00:09:02.360 --> 00:09:08.559
112
00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:12.240
113
00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:16.799
114
00:09:16.879 --> 00:09:21.240
115
00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:25.639
116
00:09:25.679 --> 00:09:29.879
117
00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:36.519
118
00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:42.080
119
00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:47.120
120
00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:51.919
121
00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:55.759
122
00:09:55.799 --> 00:09:59.399
123
00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:07.399
124
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:10.639
125
00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:13.759
126
00:10:13.840 --> 00:10:20.720
127
00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:24.960
128
00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:28.879
129
00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:35.399
130
00:10:35.399 --> 00:10:41.360
131
00:10:41.440 --> 00:10:45.200
132
00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:51.159
133
00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:54.519
134
00:10:54.639 --> 00:10:59.080
135
00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:03.799
136
00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:09.200
137
00:11:09.240 --> 00:11:13.240
138
00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:19.360
139
00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:24.080
140
00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:29.480
141
00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:33.279
142
00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:36.919
143
00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:43.399
144
00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:47.360
145
00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:50.679
146
00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.480
147
00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:58.720
148
00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:04.600
149
00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:10.399
150
00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:16.960
151
00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:20.240
152
00:12:20.279 --> 00:12:25.679
153
00:12:25.679 --> 00:12:31.639
154
00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:35.120
155
00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:38.759
156
00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:43.919
157
00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:48.399
158
00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:52.480
159
00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:55.600
160
00:12:55.639 --> 00:13:11.039
161
00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:15.519
162
00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:18.799
163
00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:22.720
164
00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:27.799
165
00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:32.200
166
00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:37.840
167
00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:40.840
168
00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:45.799
169
00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:48.840
170
00:13:49.320 --> 00:13:52.399
171
00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:57.679
172
00:13:57.679 --> 00:14:01.799
173
00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:06.200
174
00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:09.519
175
00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:13.480
176
00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:17.559
177
00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:22.440
178
00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:26.120
179
00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:31.919
180
00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:37.320
181
00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:41.840
182
00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:47.200
183
00:14:47.200 --> 00:14:52.039
184
00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:55.960
185
00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:59.480
186
00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:03.440
187
00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:08.639
188
00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:14.480
189
00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:18.519
190
00:15:18.559 --> 00:15:23.960
191
00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:29.399
192
00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:33.919
193
00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:37.840
194
00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:42.799
195
00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:47.360
196
00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:53.039
197
00:15:53.080 --> 00:15:57.559
198
00:15:57.600 --> 00:16:01.399
199
00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:05.759
200
00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:09.559
201
00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:13.960
202
00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:17.960
203
00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:23.639
204
00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:26.799
205
00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:31.639
206
00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:35.759
207
00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:40.320
208
00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:44.519
209
00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:49.039
210
00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:54.159
211
00:16:54.240 --> 00:16:58.000
212
00:16:58.120 --> 00:17:01.639
213
00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:05.200
214
00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:09.680
215
00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:14.559
216
00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:18.680
217
00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:24.839
218
00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:29.720
219
00:17:29.799 --> 00:17:35.279
220
00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:38.720
221
00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:43.720
222
00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:47.720
223
00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:52.359
224
00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:57.480
225
00:17:58.759 --> 00:18:02.279
226
00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:05.160
227
00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:08.880
228
00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:14.680
229
00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:18.880
230
00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:23.640
231
00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:28.799
232
00:18:29.160 --> 00:18:34.039
233
00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:37.680
234
00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:42.440
235
00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:48.119
236
00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:53.680
237
00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:57.319
238
00:18:57.599 --> 00:19:01.039