Kate Middleton's wedding look broke centuries of royal tradition — Here's why
Kate chose to wear her hair down despite strong encouragement from palace officials to opt for an updo
When Kate Middleton married Prince William on April 29, 2011, she unknowingly made history—not just as the future Queen, but by breaking a 350-year-old royal wedding tradition.
Unlike generations of royal brides before her, Kate chose to wear her hair down for her wedding day, despite strong encouragement from palace officials to opt for an updo.
According to the documentary William & Kate: The Journey, Kate was advised by royal officials to wear her hair in an updo, following a long-standing royal bridal custom. However, she was determined to stick with her signature look.
Royal expert Ashley Pearson explained in the documentary: "Royal sources tell me that the royals indicated very strongly to Kate that they would prefer her to wear her hair up for this very special occasion."
However, Kate insisted on wearing her hair down in soft curls, a look that wasn’t just her favourite—but reportedly Prince William’s favourite as well.
"Kate had her heart set on wearing her hair down with long flowing curls, which is her favourite way to wear it and actually William’s favourite as well," Pearson added.
The final look was a compromise, styled by royal hairstylist James Pryce from Richard Ward Salon.
Kate’s dark brown curls perfectly complemented the Queen Mother’s Cartier Halo Tiara, a breathtaking piece encrusted with 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette-cut diamonds.
Her iconic wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, featured delicate lace sleeves and a dramatic sweeping skirt, creating a timeless and regal silhouette.
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