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This is what the royal wedding was really like, according to someone who attended the event

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge during their wedding celebrations
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge during their wedding celebrations
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With the gossip columns alight with rumours of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's impending nuptials, people have been in a state of reminiscence.

The wedding between Prince William and the Kate Middleton was a sparkly, world - class affair that was as secretive as it was public.

However, former royal editor of The Sun Duncan Larcombe got an invitation to attend at Westminster Abbey in 2011 - one of only six journalists to get one. He provides a rare peek into the star-studded event, attended by an eclectic mix of people - from international royals to celebrities and musicians.

Larcombe spoke to Elle UKabout what it was like, and here are the highlights:

1. It’s definitely not ordinary

Larcombe said it isn't like any wedding he's ever been to.

If you like people watching there’s probably nothing better than a royal wedding. There isn’t a room that has that many famous and royal people all under one roof.

2. Prince William is just like other people - he gets nervous too.

Larcombe recalled the moment Prince Harry and Prince William walked past his seat.

Before Kate arrived...William looked absolutely terrified.

The prince composed himself in the end, but it’s a relief to know that even he gets worried about stuff!

3. Kate Middleton can bring an entire hall to silence. Without a single word.

There was over 1.000 people sat there in absolute silence and all we could hear was the echoes of the crowds outside.

4. It doesn’t matter if you’re famous - if you’re late, you don’t get in.

One thing you can’t do at a royal wedding is turn up after the Queen, as she will always be the second-to-last person to arrive after the bride. 

It was quite clear at the beginning that no matter if you were the sultan of Brunei or a guy who’s been at Sandhurst with William...everyone got there early. 

5. Tradition is everything

You have certain areas in Westminster Abbey that's all to do with royal protocol.

Politicians all sit in one area, foreign royals are all sat in one area, the members of the royal family were all sat together in another.

Most of the 1,000 people on the invitation list were probably invited because propriety demanded it - diplomacy was hugely important in deciding who was invited.

You can read the entire interview at Elle.co.uk

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