Harry's Wedding Words To William

In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry revealed that his brother Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011 was a difficult day for him. He recalled that it felt like yet another farewell and that he thought goodbye as his brother walked out the door with his new bride. Prince Harry also shared his impressions of William on the day of his wedding, writing that William's face was gaunt, his eyes red and that he reeked. Although Harry was not actually William's best man, he did give brief remarks to introduce the best men, talking about their childhood and reading notes from letters sent by the public.

Prince Harry was not Prince William's best man

Although Harry was not the best man, he still gave a speech at the wedding reception, in which he introduced the best men. Harry's speech included stories about the brothers' childhood and growing up together, and he noted that their mother, Princess Diana, would be proud of William and his new wife, Kate Middleton.

Harry also shared his thoughts on William's wedding attire, writing that he felt uncomfortable in the Blues and Royals uniform that he wore for the occasion. He also noted that William had wanted to wear his Household Cavalry uniform but that this request was rejected by Queen Elizabeth II.

The dynamic between Harry and William has been described as a mix of "beloved brother" and "archnemesis," with Harry acknowledging a sense of competition between them due to their roles as the "heir" and "spare." In his memoir, Harry also claims that William physically attacked him during a confrontation about Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, in 2019.

Despite the complexities in their relationship, Harry has expressed love for his brother and a desire for healing and reconciliation. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry stated that his relationship with William was "space at the moment" but that he loved him and that they had "been through hell together."

Prince Harry's thoughts on his brother's nuptials

However, Harry also found moments of levity and warmth during the wedding celebrations. In his role as William's best man, he gave a light-hearted speech filled with jokes and impressions of the newlyweds. He poked fun at William's lack of romantic prowess before meeting Kate and even included a playful jab at their grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh. Harry's speech was well-received by the couple and left Kate emotional, according to reports.

In the lead-up to the wedding, Harry also sought William's advice on potential wedding venues for his own nuptials with Meghan Markle. Although Harry was unimpressed by William's suggestion of Tetbury, the chapel near Highgrove, he valued his brother's input and insight. Despite their differences and complex dynamics, Harry and William shared a bond that was evident during this significant life event.

Prince Harry's feelings of his brother being 'gone forever'

In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry reflected on his brother's nuptials, recalling that it felt like "yet another farewell". He wrote that the brother he escorted into Westminster Abbey that morning was "gone forever".

Prince Harry wrote: "Who could deny it? He'd never again be first and foremost Willy. We'd never again ride together across the Lesotho countryside with capes blowing behind us. We'd never again share a horsey-smelling cottage while learning to fly. Who shall separate us? Life, that's who."

Harry also wrote about how William didn't want to wear the uniform he did. William wanted to wear his Household Cavalry uniform, but Queen Elizabeth rejected it, and he wore the red uniform of the Irish Guards. Harry added that he didn't feel comfortable in his Blues and Royals uniform, which protocol dictated that he wear.

Harry also wrote about the morning of the wedding, recalling William's "gaunt" face and red eyes. He also shared that William started pacing inside Westminster as they waited for Kate.

Harry concluded his thoughts on the wedding by writing: "I recall Kate walking down the aisle, looking incredible, and I recall Willy walking her back up the aisle, and as they disappeared through the door, into the carriage that would convey them to Buckingham Palace, into the eternal partnership they'd pledged, I recall thinking: Goodbye."

Prince Harry's brief remarks at the wedding

Harry also shared his impressions of William on the eve of his wedding and on the day itself. He recalled William's face looking "gaunt" and his eyes looking "red" on the morning of the wedding. Inside Westminster Abbey, as they waited for Kate, William started pacing.

Harry described how he felt that the wedding marked yet another farewell and that his brother was gone forever. He wrote: "I recall Willy walking her back up the aisle, and as they disappeared through the door, into the carriage that would convey them to Buckingham Palace, into the eternal partnership they'd pledged, I recall thinking: Goodbye."

Prince William's wedding uniform

William had wanted to wear the cavalry uniform and frock coat of the Royal Guard, but his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, insisted he wear the Irish Guards uniform as he had recently been appointed Colonel—his most senior military position. As a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter, he wore the order's star and blue riband, with his RAF wings and Golden Jubilee Medal attached. The uniform was tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.

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