Princess Kate’s wedding choice that ’caused panic at Palace and worried Met Police’

Princess Catherine reportedly sparked panic at the Palace in the lead-up to her 2011 wedding to Prince William, after she made a surprising request to ditch royal tradition, according to a new book

Princess Catherine is widely regarded as one of the most uncontroversial figures within the Royal Family, yet there was a notable moment when she reportedly sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace. In the run-up to her 2011 nuptials with Prince William, Catherine allegedly expressed her reluctance to adhere to a longstanding royal custom.

The source of concern centred on her chosen mode of transport to Westminster Abbey. While previous royal brides had traditionally arrived via horse-drawn carriage, this was reportedly not to Catherine’s taste.

She instead opted to travel by car, a decision that is said to have caused considerable anxiety at Buckingham Palace, reports the Express.

Princess Kate wished to arrive at her wedding “in a 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that had been gifted by the manufacturer to The Queen on her Silver Jubilee”.

Royal expert Russell Myers, in his new book William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, claimed: “Courtiers were also surprised when Catherine announced her wish not to travel in the traditional horse-drawn Glass Coach, as used by Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as Queen Elizabeth.

“As much as tradition was at the forefront of her mind, Catherine wanted a modern slant on the proceedings and was of the view that she was not yet a ‘princess’ who would use such a mode of transport.”

Adding to the apprehension, Catherine’s chosen vehicle was the very same car that had previously been targeted by protestors while King Charles and Queen Camilla were travelling inside it. Myers elaborated: “This (Catherine’s choice of car) prompted panic at the palace, who feared that an alternative vehicle might be necessary: in December 2010, vandals had splattered the car with white paint and smashed a rear window as [King] Charles and [Queen] Camilla were heading to the Royal Variety Performance.

“An immediate review was undertaken by the Metropolitan Police, with extra briefings to all officers to remain vigilant for similar protests.”

Princess Catherine reached her wedding ceremony without incident, accompanied by her father, Michael Middleton.

The princess appeared radiant as she emerged from the vehicle and entered Westminster Abbey to wed Prince William, with whom she is marking 15 years of matrimony earlier this week.

Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.