William and Kate set to celebrate five years of marriage

THEIR marriage was sealed with a kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace five years ago tomorrow - and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have continued to enthrall royal watchers ever since.
Prince William and his wife Kate, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, following their wedding at Westminster Abbey. Photo: John Stillwell/PA WirePrince William and his wife Kate, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, following their wedding at Westminster Abbey. Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Prince William and his wife Kate, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, following their wedding at Westminster Abbey. Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The couple, who met as flatmates while studying at St Andrews’ University, married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, with millions around the world watching the televised service.

Five years on, William and Kate have two children, Prince George, who was born in July 2013, and Princess Charlotte, who turns one on Monday.

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Since their marriage the couple have provided newspapers with endless column inches and memorable photographs, none more so than the not one, but two, kisses on the balcony of the palace on their wedding day.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in a photograph taken late October at Kensington Palace in London. Photo: Chris Jelf/PA WireThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in a photograph taken late October at Kensington Palace in London. Photo: Chris Jelf/PA Wire
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in a photograph taken late October at Kensington Palace in London. Photo: Chris Jelf/PA Wire

The wedding, a year after William proposed, was seen as a major boost to the future of the monarchy, and celebrations and street parties were held across the UK.

Engagements over the years included watching the British men’s cycling team win the sprint at the London 2012 Olympics, and a colourful trip to Tuvalu in the South Pacific when the couple got to their feet to dance with local people at a gathering of island chiefs.

According to royal expert Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, Kate has coped well in her five years as an official royal.

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“I think she’s integrated extremely well. It’s not easy - not a lot of guidance - but of course she has the best teacher in William. I think that’s made a massive difference - having his hand on her hand,” she said.