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The Royal Rule Kate Middleton Broke On Her Wedding Day

Meghan’s not the only one to push back - by Jessica Bosco
  • 23 Nov 2018
The Royal Rule Kate Middleton Broke On Her Wedding Day

While we’ve come to know Meghan Markle as somewhat of the royal rebel, pushing back on age-old traditions that seem dated and anti-feminist and forging her own path as a modern-day royal, it seems sister-in-law Kate Middleton is quite the royal rule breaker herself.

At her wedding to Prince William in 2011, Kate appeared the picture of royal perfection, from her diamond tiara, to her stunning lace Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown all the way down to her ivory duchess satin and lace wedding shoes. But it turns out Kate actually shunted royal protocol when it came to her hair, by opting to wear it down.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

In the documentary, William & Kate: The Journey, it is revealed that palace officials made it clear to Kate that she should wear her hair up – as most other royal brides had done before her.

"Royal sources tell me that the royals indicated very strongly to Kate that they would prefer her to wear her hair up for this very special occasion," says royal reporter Ashley Pearson.

"However, Kate had her heart set on wearing her hair down with long flowing curls, which is her favourite way to wear it, and actually William's favourite as well. They ended up compromising on her look."

Kate Middleton

Kate ended up wearing a half-up, half-down style on her big day – which is perhaps the compromise they came to. 

Meghan surprised many when she did opt to wear her hair up on her wedding day to Prince Harry, which suggests she too was possibly given the same directive, which she chose to honour.

Meghan Markle
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Jessica Bosco
Jessica Bosco
Jessica is marie claire and InStyle's Senior Digital Content Editor reporting on everything from celebrities to breaking news, lifestyle and all things royal (ahem, Meghan and Harry!).

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