A Royal Dream Team

As William and Kate celebrate their 10th anniversary, we take a look at the golden couple who never put a foot wrong

- Nici De Wet

It's easy to recall why there was so much excitement 10 years ago when they walked out of Westminster Abbey, smiling in the sunshine as two billion people watched worldwide. Diana’s son and his gorgeous bride had captured the global imagination and there they were, striding down the steps and into the future. Not since Charles married Diana all those years ago had a royal wedding created so much hype and hysteria.

William and Kate were different from the start. Unlike with Charles, the queen didn’t need to approve William’s choice of partner. The prince chose his bride himself – and he chose wisely.

The Cambridges can give themselves a pat on the back as they toast their 10year anniversary. In the first decade of their marriage, they’ve grown in every way – in confidence and maturity, grace and poise, humour and heart.

They’re the royal family’s superstars, sprinkling fairy dust wherever they go and helping to secure not only the longevity of The Firm but its popularity.

William, says royal biographer Robert Lacey, is better set and better grounded than any future monarch has been.

“He also has a strong partner in Kate, whose unwavering poise balances her husband’s more intense side. They look after each other. They are proud of each other. Theirs is a marriage that works.”

IN THE BEGINNING

Things were very different when William and Kate started their married lives together. Home was a remote rented farmhouse in Anglesey, Wales, where William was stationed as a Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force pilot.