Royal Fans Spot Awkward Mistake William Made on His Wedding Day — But It’s Also Totally Endearing
After their ceremony, William and Middleton rode off in Charles's Ashton Martin car, cheered by thousands of well-wishers who lined the Mall.
On April 29, 2011, two billion people tuned in to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot at Westminster Abbey. Fourteen years and three children later, the couple's big day remains etched in people's minds. Recently, a resurfaced video from the wedding caught fans' attention, not for its pageantry, but for William's adorable slip-up. The clip shows the future King driving away with his bride, all while the car's handbrake was still on. After the video went viral, royal fans were left in stitches, poking fun at the Prince’s relatable gaffe.
After William and Middleton said their I do's, they drove off in an Ashton Martin car to Clarence House. A fan account posted the Prince's blunder on Instagram with the caption, "There are few moments more endearing than the day after their wedding, when Prince William, in his excitement, drove Catherine away from Buckingham Palace in his father’s Aston Martin, with an L-plate on the car and the handbrake still on. Yes, he later confessed he hadn’t released it in his joy!" The royal couple’s car was decorated with red, white, and blue ribbons and balloons, and donned with a playful 'JU5T WED' license plate. Adding to its charm, the vehicle was reportedly powered by a mixture of wine and cheese.
After the video went viral, royal watchers couldn't help but poke fun at William’s mistake. A netizen joked, "Bond did the same." Another chimed, "Why has it got L Plates? 😂 Was he a learner?" A comment also read, "You can also see it at the end of the video as the rear wheels are not rotating."
The handbrake moment even received a facepalm from Charles, as revealed by royal photographer Arthur Edwards. As per OK! magazine, during an appearance on the BBC's Desert Island Discs program, Edwards recounted the story of William’s car mishap, saying, "I was talking to (then) Prince Charles about that. I said: 'Did you mind him borrowing your car?' Because he loves that car. It was a birthday present from his mother on his 21st birthday." He revealed that Charles reportedly reassured him that William had asked for permission to use the car for his wedding. When the photographer told Charles, there appeared to have been a problem with William's driving, Charles allegedly responded, "Yes. Because he didn't take the handbrake off."
After their ceremony, William and Middleton rode in the Irish State Coach, cheered by thousands of well-wishers who lined the Mall. The 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth to Charles for his 21st birthday, which he allowed William to borrow. Notably, a yellow Sea King helicopter from the RAF accompanied the car, flying the RAF Ensign from its winch cable, symbolizing the future heir's service as a pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force.
