Royal Aide Recalls the 3 Words Prince William Said Before Wedding to Kate That Left Him ‘Petrified’
Prince William had a stern instruction before his wedding to Kate that left his private secretary feeling completely petrified.
Prince William’s wedding to Princess Kate must have been one of the most significant events in the Royal Family in recent history. Top experts from all over the world were appointed to make sure the event went as smoothly as possible. However, one former aide to William revealed the three words the Prince said that left him ‘petrified.'
When the time came to plan his wedding, William turned to someone he trusted completely. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton had previously served in the British Army's Special Air Service and was awarded an MBE for his work. After leaving the military, he joined the royal household, first working for the Queen Mother before later becoming the principal private secretary to both William and Prince Harry.
The former aide held the role from 2005 to 2013, meaning he was there through much of William and Kate's relationship and their 2011 royal wedding. Looking back on the event in a recent interview with The Times, he said he remembers it fondly. Recalling the experience, he said that the wedding was “great” but revealed he was “petrified” after William told him early on, 'You’re running it.’
He added, “It’s the closest I’ll ever get to a divisional command because you had all these brilliant experts, and you didn’t need to do anything. You just needed to set the parameters and let people do what they were so bloody good at.”
If the royal wedding left him feeling nervous, there was another royal encounter that left the ex-private secretary on edge. During Kate's visit to Suffolk in September 2025, where he now serves as Deputy Lieutenant, an awkward moment with the Princess of Wales left him feeling flustered once again.
As Kate leaned in for a kiss on the cheek, Lowther-Pinkerton ended up bowing his head instead. Looking back on the moment, he said, "I was so embarrassed, I nearly headbutted her. I didn't know if I should be bowing. It was so sweet of her." However, Kate did not let the awkward moment linger and brushed it off, something Lowther-Pinkerton said is typical of her. He described her as a "really cool woman" and added, "[She's] amazing. He chose well. I think they're great."
Lowther-Pinkerton started working with William and Harry when they were just 22 and 20. Thanks to his own experience in the military, he was also able to help both princes as they went through their time in service. He said, “It was important that they did it right and properly.”
