King Charles had the perfect mix of pride and humour when the world learned that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged 15 years ago.
The announcement, made via Clarence House on 16 November 2010, revealed that the couple had become engaged during a private holiday in Kenya the previous month.
The statement read, “The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton. The wedding will take place in the spring or summer of 2011 in London.”
While the world swooned over Kate’s sapphire engagement ring and her chic blue Issa London wrap dress during a photocall at St James’s Palace, Charles was on duty at a public engagement in Poundbury, Dorset.
When asked about his reaction, he didn’t just beam, he delivered a perfectly timed quip, “Obviously thrilled. They’ve been practising long enough.”
The engagement led to a fairytale wedding on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, an event watched by 17.6 million viewers in the UK alone.
Kate dazzled in a satin and lace gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, accessorized with the Cartier Halo tiara loaned by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
William looked dashing in the full dress uniform of the Irish Guards, scarlet tunic and all, cementing the couple as a modern day royal icon duo.
