The sovereign confided in Camilla Parker Bowles about her disappointment.
Published on April 14, 2025 11:15AM
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Almost 14 years ago, Prince William and Kate Middleton said “I do” in front of 1,900 people at Westminster Abbey. In addition to those who attended the ceremony, millions of admirers watched the nuptials around the globe. Beyond the royal family, a number of celebrity guests were present at the wedding, including David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, and Guy Ritchie. After exchanging their vows and officially becoming husband and wife, the married duo recessed out of the church—and greeted the public outside. Yet shortly after leaving the ceremony, the pair headed to Buckingham Palace in the 1902 State Landau carriage, the same one that Princess Diana and Prince Charles rode in on their wedding day. Even though the transport was made famous by the groom’s parents’ nuptials, it was originally constructed for the coronation of Edward VII, which was held in 1902.
However, as the newlyweds entered the carriage, it seems that Queen Elizabeth II had some words to say about their transportation to Buckingham Palace. For CBS News, Tina Lannin, a professional lip reader, shared what the sovereign said on the big day. According to Lannin, while outside Westminster Abbey, the Queen and Camilla Parker Bowles had a brief conversation about the nuptials that revolved around the duo’s carriage choice. “I wanted them to take the smaller carriage,” the Queen told Camilla. Instead of expressing her agreement or disagreement with the statement, the Duchess of Cornwall commented on the ceremony itself: “It all went very well.” “Very well,” the Queen responded.
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The couple selected this carriage due to the weather. If it had rained on the day of their ceremony, they would have had the Glass Coach prepared for them, to ensure they didn’t get wet in their ride to Buckingham Palace, according to the Daily Mail. Though it's unclear which carriage Queen Elizabeth was referring to in her comment, it may have been the Glass Coach. While the State Landau carriage does have a flexible leather hood, it’s not strong enough to protect riders from precipitation. This transport is decorated with crimson satin and laces—and includes door panels that feature the Royal Arms.
Once Kate and William arrived at Buckingham Palace, they made sure to honor royal tradition, appearing on the balcony to greet the crowds of onlookers and share a kiss. The latter custom had been started by Charles and Diana at their wedding in 1981. However, to the delight of the British public, the newlyweds put their own spin on the tradition, opting to go in for a second kiss. After greeting those outside, they headed back indoors to continue the celebration of their nuptials with a buffet-style wedding breakfast for 600 guests that was hosted by the Queen.
