What Exactly Did Prince William Whisper to Kate Middleton on the Buckingham Palace Balcony on Their Wedding Day?
That unplanned second kiss still lives in our hearts and minds 12-plus years later.
That first Buckingham Palace balcony kiss on their wedding day was so nice, the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had to do it twice (yes, actually, I would like some wine with my cheese). It was an unprecedented second public display of affection from members of the royal family that, at least in 2011, so rarely showed any. April 29, 2011, was the first large-scale royal wedding of the modern era, when two college sweethearts tied the knot in front of the world’s watching eyes.
Although it happened over 12 years ago, a whole new slew of royal fans are rediscovering the moment via TikTok, where a clip of the second kiss is taking the platform by storm. People reports that a clip shared by the account Royalfancams has been viewed over 6.5 million times, and you can see William whisper something in Kate’s ear. What did he say?
After their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the newlyweds rode through the streets of London and eventually made the requisite Buckingham Palace balcony appearance to wave at the crowds assembled below. In a tradition accidentally started by William’s parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, on their own wedding day in 1981, the crowd was anticipating a kiss from the bride and groom. (Charles and Diana kissed on the Buckingham Palace balcony because they forgot to kiss at the Abbey, they were so nervous.) So, William and Kate gave the people what they wanted, sharing their first public kiss as husband and wife. The crowd roared and begged the couple for another one. Responding to their requests, William asked Kate, “Shall we do one more?” before they kissed for a second time to thunderous cheers, and an iconic moment in royal lore was born.
After the spontaneous second kiss, Kate giggled, and William waved.
And, while folks think there is royal protocol around everything—including PDA—royal etiquette expert and Beaumont Etiquette founder Myka Meier tells People that there are actually no formal rules around royal couples and public displays of affection; rather, it’s at their own discretion.
“Senior members of the royal family would likely not be told how to interact or when they can or cannot show PDA and would be trusted to use their better judgment as to when it’s appropriate,” she said. “The royals often adjust PDA to mirror the formality of the event they are attending. At a somber or more formal event, we are less likely to see PDA than at a casual event where it would be deemed more fitting.”
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
The Hilarious Reason Prince William Got Banned From His Local DVD Store at University
The royal reportedly got into trouble after hiring 2002 comedy 'Boat Trip'—and his bodyguards were no help at all.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Katie Holmes Proved the Naked Manicure Is a Seasonless Staple
This one is for the minimalists.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
King Charles is "Keen" to Keep These Royals in the Fold Even if They'll Never Get "Full-Time" Roles
Despite a "slimmed-down" monarchy, these two aren't going anywhere.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"
Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Will This Major Red Carpet Moment be Princess Kate's First Appearance of 2025?
"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Don't Expect Princess Kate to "Return to the All Trouser Suits, All the Time" Aesthetic in 2025, Per Royal Fashion Experts
Royal style gurus Christine Ross and Susan Kelley share their fashion predictions with 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye
"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their Relationship
A royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her Heart
Proceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules Attached
The present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday Photo
The Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
By Kristin Contino Published