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Prince William served as his brother Prince Harry's best man at the latter's wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. The Duke of Cambridge said he was thrilled and delighted to be asked and that revenge is sweet, referring to Prince Harry's role as best man at his wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011. The royal brothers are known for their close bond, having supported each other through the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, and various scandals within the British monarchy. Prince Harry broke with royal tradition by appointing a best man instead of a supporter, as is customary at royal weddings.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date of Wedding | 19 May 2018 |
Location of Wedding | St George's Chapel, Windsor |
Bride | Meghan Markle |
Groom | Prince Harry |
Best Man | Prince William |
Best Man's Feelings About The Role | "Thrilled and delighted", "revenge is sweet" |
Number of Guests | 600 |
Additional Guests | 1,000 members of the public were welcomed to the grounds of Windsor Castle |
Evening Reception Guests | 200 |
Prince Harry's Best Man | Prince William, at his wedding in 2011 |
What You'll Learn
Prince William's duties as best man
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, was the best man at his brother Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. Prince William said he was "thrilled and delighted" at being asked, and that he was "really looking forward" to fulfilling his duties.
The role of the best man at a wedding usually involves organising a stag do, carrying the wedding rings, and giving a speech at the reception. Prince William was in charge of these duties when he was Prince Harry's best man.
In his speech, Prince William may have sought "revenge" on his younger brother, who had teased him mercilessly in his own best man's speech at William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011. At William's wedding, Harry had worn a fez, mimicked the lovestruck conversations between a young Kate and William, and ridiculed William's bald spot.
In addition to the traditional best man duties, Prince William also walked his brother down the aisle at the wedding.
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Prince Harry's best man duties in 2011
In 2011, Prince Harry was the best man at his older brother Prince William's wedding. Prince Harry, who is known for his mischievous sense of humour, was in charge of the stag do, gave a teasing speech, and hosted a lively after-party, which has gone down in Royal wedding history.
In April 2018, Prince William returned the favour and served as Prince Harry's best man at his wedding to Meghan Markle. Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, said he was "thrilled and delighted" and that "revenge is sweet", referring to the teasing he received from his younger brother at his own wedding.
As the best man, Prince William was in charge of organising the bachelor party for Prince Harry and was also expected to carry the couple's wedding rings and give a speech at the reception.
The role of the best man at a royal wedding is typically known as a "supporter". Prince William broke with this tradition when he appointed Prince Harry as his best man in 2011, and Prince Harry did the same in 2018.
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Prince William's stag do
While there is no official "best man" at royal weddings, Prince William broke with tradition and appointed his brother, Prince Harry, as his best man for his wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011. In keeping with this modern approach, Prince Harry also chose to have a best man at his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018, and he asked Prince William to return the favour.
In the lead-up to Prince Harry's wedding, Prince William hinted that he would be planning his revenge for the mischievous speech and lively after-party that characterised his own stag do, organised by his younger brother.
Speculation arose that Prince Harry's bachelor party would take place at a boutique hotel in Mexico, as his friend, Tom Inskip, was spotted there reportedly scouting for party locations. Another rumour suggested that the event would be held at Verbier, a Swiss ski resort, after royal protection officers were seen in the upmarket bar, La Vache. It was also said that Prince Andrew had offered the group the use of his ski chalet for the occasion.
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Prince William's speech
Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding. I know my brother would never take issue with me taking his new wife's name just this once. After all, I am now Meghan Markle. No, no, please, sit down. I am thrilled to be here today, and I am delighted to finally be able to get my own back on my baby brother. I know he gave a speech at my wedding, but I think we can all agree that the best man at that wedding stole the show. So, Harry, if you would like to come up here and say a few words, I'd be happy to let you borrow my microphone. Just don't expect me to give it back.
I want to start by saying how happy I am for my brother and his beautiful bride. Meghan, you look absolutely stunning, and I can see why Harry fell head over heels for you. I promise we won't bring up the fact that he fell into a hedge outside the pub last week and had to be helped home by a kind stranger. That would be embarrassing, and I am known for my discretion.
Harry, I know I said I'd get my own back, but the truth is that I couldn't be happier to stand by your side today. Our mother would be so proud of the man you have become, and I know she would be overjoyed to see you so happy. You are an incredible person, and I am so proud to be your brother. I know that we have had our differences over the years, and I know that we will continue to have them, but I also know that we will always be there for each other, no matter what.
I want to finish by saying thank you. Thank you to everyone who has come here today to celebrate with us. Thank you to our friends and family, and thank you to the people watching from home. But most of all, thank you, Harry, for letting me be a part of your special day. I love you, brother. Cheers!
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Prince William's uniform
Prince William wore a military uniform to his brother Prince Harry's wedding. The Duke of Cambridge wore "the frockcoat uniform of the Blue and Royals", which was tailored at London's Dege & Skinner on Savile Row. The uniform was made of blue doeskin and included a traditional hat, a white belt, and an empty sword sling. Prince William's uniform matched that of his brother, Prince Harry, who was given permission by Queen Elizabeth to get married in his military uniform.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Prince William was Prince Harry's best man at his wedding to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018.
Yes, Prince Harry broke with tradition by appointing his brother, Prince William, as his best man. Royals typically have a "supporter" instead.
Prince William said he was "thrilled and delighted" to be his brother's best man and that "revenge is sweet", referring to Prince Harry's role as his best man in 2011.
The best man is responsible for organizing the bachelor party, carrying the couple's wedding rings, and giving a speech at the reception.
Prince William being Prince Harry's best man is a testament to their close bond and friendship since childhood. They have endured media scrutiny, public curiosity, and family scandals together, and have a shared love for sports and charitable work.