A university romance was followed by years of speculation over when the future King and his girlfriend would finally wed.
William and Kate announced their engagement on November 16, 2010. They made their first public appearance after the announcement at a gala charity performance at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, where they chatted with crowds before the show.
The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. There were more than 5,000 street parties up and down the country, on what was declared a public holiday.
Crowds lined the route of the procession between the abbey and Buckingham Palace, while millions watched around the world.
For the first time, a Royal wedding was streamed live on the internet, while social media buzzed with details of the day.
Kate wore an ivory satin dress with a lace bodice, veil and a tiara loaned to her by the Queen. William wore the uniform of the Irish Guards, having been appointed honorary colonel of the regiment in February 2011, along with his RAF wings.
Sealed by a ring of Welsh gold, the couple vowed to 'love, comfort, honour and keep' each other in front of 1,900 guests ranging from family members to foreign royalty.
Bells rang out as they left the abbey in an open-topped carriage for Buckingham Palace.
William and Kate made the customary balcony appearance while the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight thundered overhead.
Later a Sea King helicopter from RAF Wattisham, in Suffolk, shadowed the couple's car as it drove up the Mall to Clarence House, in honour of William's service as an RAF search and rescue pilot.
The newlyweds returned to Anglesey, in North Wales, where William was stationed in the RAF after the wedding. The couple went on honeymoon to the Seychelles 10 days later.
William and his new bride were given the title of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by the Queen after their marriage.
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