Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding was watched by millions of people around the world, but fans are only just noticing one awkward mistake the royal made during his big day
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
10:05, 20 Oct 2025
King Charles has revealed that Prince William made a big ‘mistake’ during his wedding (file)
It’s been more than 14 years since Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on 29 April, 2011. However, Royal enthusiasts are only now discovering a rather embarrassing blunder that occurred in front of everyone on their special day.
The royal pair, who are now parents to three children, first crossed paths at the University of St Andrews in 2001, before officially becoming an item two years later. Their engagement was announced on 16 November 2010, following a proposal on 20 October 2010. The build-up to the occasion captivated audiences worldwide, with many drawing comparisons to the wedding of William’s parents, now King Charles and Diana, back in 1981.
After exchanging vows at Westminster Abbey, Prince William and Kate were greeted by millions of jubilant fans lining the streets of London. They then proceeded to Buckingham Palace, where the late Queen hosted a lunchtime reception.
As the newlyweds prepared to depart, they climbed into a vintage Aston Martin – a 21st birthday gift from the Queen to then-Prince Charles.
Despite appearing blissfully happy, many spectators may have been unaware of the behind-the-scenes drama unfolding for the couple in the car.
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Posting on Instagram, a clip was uploaded to the ‘quickpastfacts’ account, showing William and Kate waving to crowds from their vehicle as they travelled to Clarence House, his residence at that time.
However, the text overlay on the footage disclosed: “When Prince William drove Catherine from Buckingham Palace, with the hand break still on. Even fairy tales have their funny moments.”
The caption accompanying the clip read: “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!”
Royal photographer Arthur Edwards from The Sun subsequently disclosed what had occurred during BBC’s Desert Island Discs, explaining: “I was talking to now-King 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.”
However, the royal had assured Edwards that William had asked for approval before using the vehicle for his wedding celebration. Edwards then highlighted there appeared to have been an issue with the vintage sports car during that particular day.
King Charles then revealed to the photographer: “Yes. Because he didn’t take the handbrake off.”
Viewers were left in hysterics upon discovering this, with many flocking to the video’s comments section to share their reactions, while others highlighted an additional detail about the decorated vehicle.
“Why has it got L Plates was he a learner,” one person pointed out. To this, another viewer replied: “They’re learners in the wedding as in new ‘learners’ in marriage. It’s a British humour for us.”
Another viewer jokingly revealed: “For a moment I thought she was driving, then I remember they’re in the UK.”