Royal wedding anniversary: Kate Middleton's Wakefield links and how city marked the Duke and Duchess's wedding 10 years on

Today marks 10 years since the wedding of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - but as millions look back on the big day, do you remember Kate Middleton's surprising Wakefield links?
Today marks 10 years since the wedding of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - but as millions look back on the big day, do you remember Kate Middleton's surprising Wakefield links? Photo: Getty Images/JPI MediaToday marks 10 years since the wedding of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - but as millions look back on the big day, do you remember Kate Middleton's surprising Wakefield links? Photo: Getty Images/JPI Media
Today marks 10 years since the wedding of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - but as millions look back on the big day, do you remember Kate Middleton's surprising Wakefield links? Photo: Getty Images/JPI Media

Kate and Will married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, an occasion celebrated by millions of people in the UK and around the world.

But in Wakefield celebrations looked a little different. Although schools and local groups marked the occasion with their own celebrations, there was surprise when the council revealed that not a single application for a street party had been made.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And for one couple, Kate and Will's wedding was at the back of their minds, as they prepared for their own big day.

Kate and Will married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, an occasion celebrated by millions of people in the UK and around the world. Photo by John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty ImagesKate and Will married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, an occasion celebrated by millions of people in the UK and around the world. Photo by John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate and Will married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, an occasion celebrated by millions of people in the UK and around the world. Photo by John Stillwell-WPA Pool/Getty Images

These are just some of the ways your Express reported on the royal wedding in the run up to the event in 2010 and 2011.

Friday, November 19, 2010

ROYAL wedding fever has gripped the nation and Wakefield has every reason to be excited after it was revealed Prince William's future wife has links to the city.

Genealogists say Kate Middleton's father Michael has family links to Wakefield, going back generations Mr Middleton is descended from Sir Thomas Fairfax, a parliamentarian general in the Civil War.

One Ossett couple were shocked to discover that they would share an anniversary with the royal couple, while schools across the district marked the occasion with their own mock weddings.One Ossett couple were shocked to discover that they would share an anniversary with the royal couple, while schools across the district marked the occasion with their own mock weddings.
One Ossett couple were shocked to discover that they would share an anniversary with the royal couple, while schools across the district marked the occasion with their own mock weddings.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The family rose to prominence as wool merchants during the 18th century. Mr Middleton's grandad was a solicitor from Far Headingley, who lived in Roundhay and his relatives were solicitors with strong Wakefield connections.

The link came as a particularly welcome surprise to staff at Wakefield-based Peter Jones China.

Managing director Andrew Cousins said: "We have been doing this for 35 years and it's the first time a member of the royal family will have links back to Wakefield.

"It's really exciting for us as a company and I'm sure it will be for the people of Wakefield."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Cousins added: "We are already being inundated with inquiries. This is the big royal event our collectors and the public have been waiting for."

March 18, 2010

MOST people will use any excuse to have a good old knees-up but it seems a royal wedding is not a good enough reason to get city folk in the party spirit.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will tie the knot on Friday, April 29, which has been declared a bank holiday.

But Wakefield Council confirmed this week that it had not received a single application for a street party in the so-called Merrie City – and the deadline is less than two weeks away.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesman said: "We've received five phone calls from members of the public inquiring about organising a street party for the royal wedding.

"Details have been sent to these people."

In August, communities secretary Eric Pickles slashed red tape surrounding community celebrations, so insurance and alcohol licences are not needed for small events involving one or two streets.

But the move has done little to encourage city folk who say they have better things to do with their day off according to the Express Facebook page.

It's a far cry from the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s when communities celebrated the Queen's coronation, her silver jubilee and the wedding of Charles and Diana.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Schoolchildren will get a taste of the good old days though as staff and parents plan to go the whole hog with bunting, cake and even mock weddings.

Joanne Chambers is a senior administration officer at St Mary's Primary School in Wakefield, which will be celebrating with a ‘street party' in the playground.

The 39-year-old said: "Lots of our staff, including me, can remember having street parties for occasions like the Queen's jubilee and the wedding of Charles and Diana.

"We are a school that has lots of children from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of them do not know about English heritage customs, so we thought it would be a nice thing to do and everyone is really looking forward to it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"People don't seem to do things like this anymore and I think it's a real shame because they are so much fun and show a real sense of community."

April 29, 2011

AS millions of people from all over the world watch the future king of England get married today, one couple who will only have eyes for each other.

Katie Brewer, of Ossett, will be marrying her own Prince Charming in the form of John Bould.

The pair chose today as the date for their wedding a year ago – long before it was announced the royal couple would wed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And as lavish preparations for Prince William and Kate Middleton have been scrutinised, Mr Bould and his future wife have quietly been planning their special day.

Mr Bould, 29, of Station Road, said: "It is quite amazing. Katie keeps looking at how they are doing with their plans. People still find it quite funny, but our budgets are worlds apart.

"I am looking forward to it and hope it all goes okay."

Both William and Kate had low-key stag and hen weekends, but Mr Bould and his pals did not need to worry about paparazzi as they celebrated with drinks along Westgate.

Miss Brewer headed to York. Instead of Westminster Abbey, which holds around 2,000 guests, the Ossett couple will tie the knot at St Andrew's Church in Netherton with 80 family and friends.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Guests, who make the most of an official bank holiday, can watch the royal wedding beforehand.

And as speculation grows over where the Royal newly-weds will spend their honeymoon, the new Mr and Mrs Bould will soon be spending a 17-night cruise in the Mediterranean.

How did you celebrate the royal wedding in 2011? Let us know your memories on Twitter and Facebook.