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Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: A Princess blossoms from desert to Buckingham Palace

Published May 1st, 2011 - 08:55 GMT

April 29, 2011 and The Royal Wedding of the Century as it's being touted, went off even better than could have been dreamt by fairytale fantasists. 

General word on the street and vibe post-wedding, produced a sense of hope and optimisim  for the newly wed, newly titled royal couple, for the institution of marriage and for the country, say historians.  It was also an occasion where the people felt at one with their Royal Family as they welcomed in a 'commoner' in a tradition of non-aristorcratic ladies in line to the throne such as Diana and the Queen Mum.  

An English Rose had, it turned out, arisen from more humble beginings including a stint in the desert while her family lived in Jordan during her childhood.  She might even revisit this Arabian past through a rumored honeymoon to the region.  

Still there was nothing common about a day filled the pomp and tradition British Royalty has come to be known for. Pomp and ceremony that might be reserved only for occasions nowadays, but the world audience loves nothing more than to look on as others perform to the rituuals of old. For now, here is the story of a Princess marrying her Prince against all the odds, and the view of the Happy Day.

 

 

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From Desert Rose to English Rose: Kate the younger, here with hand on Dad's knee and her tell-tale long tresses, or golden locks later- turned-brunette, rich mane of hair, spent a stint in Jordan when Father was based in Amman with British Airways.

From Desert Rose to English Rose: Kate the younger, here with hand on Dad's knee and her tell-tale long tresses, or golden locks later- turned-brunette, rich mane of hair, spent a stint in Jordan when Father was based in Amman with British Airways.

From drab Amman villa to Buckingham Palace: Kate lived in this house during her Amman 2 years plus: her humble abode in the Um Uthainah district of Amman, has since been turned into a medical center for sick children.

From drab Amman villa to Buckingham Palace: Kate lived in this house during her Amman 2 years plus: her humble abode in the Um Uthainah district of Amman, has since been turned into a medical center for sick children.

Father and Mother of the Blushing Bride: Carol and Michael Middleton both once in the air industry, flying now high in Royal Wedding bliss, having landed in a much better position than their self-made family business affluence might have taken them.

Father and Mother of the Blushing Bride: Carol and Michael Middleton both once in the air industry, flying now high in Royal Wedding bliss, having landed in a much better position than their self-made family business affluence might have taken them.

THAT dress: Kate turned heads in this catchy little flimsy number, not least the head of her Prince Charming, as she strutted down the catwalk of student fashion show at St. Andrews. He admits she caught his eye on this occasion.

THAT dress: Kate turned heads in this catchy little flimsy number, not least the head of her Prince Charming, as she strutted down the catwalk of student fashion show at St. Andrews. He admits she caught his eye on this occasion.

Cool n Casual: The student days when she started dating William during His and Her years of studying History of Art at St. Andrews. Kate was not shy of indulging in the typical student, sometimes even drunken, antics and lively partying.

Cool n Casual: The student days when she started dating William during His and Her years of studying History of Art at St. Andrews. Kate was not shy of indulging in the typical student, sometimes even drunken, antics and lively partying.

THE dress:10 years later she trades 'that' dress for this: Ivory ballgown from Alexander McQueen- a throwback to Grace Kelly's elegance- and model for brides-to-be who want that Catherine look complete with lacey arms. THIS dress walked down the mother-of-all catwalks, the Royal aisle & red carpet.

THE dress:10 years later she trades 'that' dress for this: Ivory ballgown from Alexander McQueen- a throwback to Grace Kelly's elegance- and model for brides-to-be who want that Catherine look complete with lacey arms. THIS dress walked down the mother-of-all catwalks, the Royal aisle & red carpet.

Picture Perfect: No sign of pre-wedding jitters or wobbles. Here, the nerve-wracking rite of passage as she is passed from Father to Husband; she is the image of composure.

Picture Perfect: No sign of pre-wedding jitters or wobbles. Here, the nerve-wracking rite of passage as she is passed from Father to Husband; she is the image of composure.

Still not a falter at the alter: And no wonder when her Prince has just whispered the reassuring 'You look beautiful' as the Archbishop of Canterbury proceeds to 'marry' them, and pronounce them Man and Wife (in this case Duke and Duchess).

Still not a falter at the alter: And no wonder when her Prince has just whispered the reassuring 'You look beautiful' as the Archbishop of Canterbury proceeds to 'marry' them, and pronounce them Man and Wife (in this case Duke and Duchess).

Straight from the Queen's Mouth: fresh out of the ceremony and stepping out of her Royal Carriage, the Queen volunteered that 'it was amazing' - when asked by clamoring reporters for her thoughts on the day so far.

Straight from the Queen's Mouth: fresh out of the ceremony and stepping out of her Royal Carriage, the Queen volunteered that 'it was amazing' - when asked by clamoring reporters for her thoughts on the day so far.

Kate wows the crowds: Kate does not conceal her excitement, just made royal in the last hour, as she steps onto the balcony to greet the throngs of people amassed below, and visibly lets out a ‘wow’. Her hubbie, an old hand at this, can enjoy her appreciation.

Kate wows the crowds: Kate does not conceal her excitement, just made royal in the last hour, as she steps onto the balcony to greet the throngs of people amassed below, and visibly lets out a ‘wow’. Her hubbie, an old hand at this, can enjoy her appreciation.

No ordinary 'Just Married's': Though they would like us to think otherwise, as William drives Kate from the palace to the reception afterward in an Aston Martin. Dad's Aston Martin. Still, a far-cry from the horse-drawn carriage we earlier watched deliver the happy couple to the Palace.

No ordinary 'Just Married's': Though they would like us to think otherwise, as William drives Kate from the palace to the reception afterward in an Aston Martin. Dad's Aston Martin. Still, a far-cry from the horse-drawn carriage we earlier watched deliver the happy couple to the Palace.

Happy Families: Prince Charles welcomed his new daughter-in-law into the fold at the reception later, in a speech, as the daughter he never had. Here the family line-up, including wife Duchess of Cornwall, herself a recent member of the Windsor household. The family, he said, are lucky to have Kate.

Happy Families: Prince Charles welcomed his new daughter-in-law into the fold at the reception later, in a speech, as the daughter he never had. Here the family line-up, including wife Duchess of Cornwall, herself a recent member of the Windsor household. The family, he said, are lucky to have Kate.

2 people married, millions party, but only the select few invited: From the Arab world this included the Moroccan Royals, Abu Dhabi and Omani Royals, as well as Prince al-Waleed bin Talal of KSA, here shown below. An Arab guest spotted in the congregation poring over the hym book to the right.

2 people married, millions party, but only the select few invited: From the Arab world this included the Moroccan Royals, Abu Dhabi and Omani Royals, as well as Prince al-Waleed bin Talal of KSA, here shown below. An Arab guest spotted in the congregation poring over the hym book to the right.

Back to the Balcony, sealed with 2 kisses: 2 for the price of one, the crowds got more than they bargained for. Responding to public demand, the pair went in for a second replay kiss. Surely a good sign that the Royals already acting on public opinion!

Back to the Balcony, sealed with 2 kisses: 2 for the price of one, the crowds got more than they bargained for. Responding to public demand, the pair went in for a second replay kiss. Surely a good sign that the Royals already acting on public opinion!

Harry up for grabs, girls: With one Prince taken, there is one remaining, eligible, princely bachelor. Banners outside pleaded 'Marry me Harry'. In his favor, the 3rd in line has a full head of hair (albeit ginger). Wills' bald spot, was a feature his Dad gently ribbed him on during speeches later.

Harry up for grabs, girls: With one Prince taken, there is one remaining, eligible, princely bachelor. Banners outside pleaded 'Marry me Harry'. In his favor, the 3rd in line has a full head of hair (albeit ginger). Wills' bald spot, was a feature his Dad gently ribbed him on during speeches later.

Where will they be honeymooning? Speculation is still running high as to where the couple will spend the next 2 weeks. The bets aren't yet off Jordan: Perhaps a brief return to Kate's childhood past with a trip to idyllic South Jordan would make a nice poetic circle.

Where will they be honeymooning? Speculation is still running high as to where the couple will spend the next 2 weeks. The bets aren't yet off Jordan: Perhaps a brief return to Kate's childhood past with a trip to idyllic South Jordan would make a nice poetic circle.

From Desert Rose to English Rose: Kate the younger, here with hand on Dad's knee and her tell-tale long tresses, or golden locks later- turned-brunette, rich mane of hair, spent a stint in Jordan when Father was based in Amman with British Airways.
From drab Amman villa to Buckingham Palace: Kate lived in this house during her Amman 2 years plus: her humble abode in the Um Uthainah district of Amman, has since been turned into a medical center for sick children.
Father and Mother of the Blushing Bride: Carol and Michael Middleton both once in the air industry, flying now high in Royal Wedding bliss, having landed in a much better position than their self-made family business affluence might have taken them.
THAT dress: Kate turned heads in this catchy little flimsy number, not least the head of her Prince Charming, as she strutted down the catwalk of student fashion show at St. Andrews. He admits she caught his eye on this occasion.
Cool n Casual: The student days when she started dating William during His and Her years of studying History of Art at St. Andrews. Kate was not shy of indulging in the typical student, sometimes even drunken, antics and lively partying.
THE dress:10 years later she trades 'that' dress for this: Ivory ballgown from Alexander McQueen- a throwback to Grace Kelly's elegance- and model for brides-to-be who want that Catherine look complete with lacey arms. THIS dress walked down the mother-of-all catwalks, the Royal aisle & red carpet.
Picture Perfect: No sign of pre-wedding jitters or wobbles. Here, the nerve-wracking rite of passage as she is passed from Father to Husband; she is the image of composure.
Still not a falter at the alter: And no wonder when her Prince has just whispered the reassuring 'You look beautiful' as the Archbishop of Canterbury proceeds to 'marry' them, and pronounce them Man and Wife (in this case Duke and Duchess).
Straight from the Queen's Mouth: fresh out of the ceremony and stepping out of her Royal Carriage, the Queen volunteered that 'it was amazing' - when asked by clamoring reporters for her thoughts on the day so far.
Kate wows the crowds: Kate does not conceal her excitement, just made royal in the last hour, as she steps onto the balcony to greet the throngs of people amassed below, and visibly lets out a ‘wow’. Her hubbie, an old hand at this, can enjoy her appreciation.
No ordinary 'Just Married's': Though they would like us to think otherwise, as William drives Kate from the palace to the reception afterward in an Aston Martin. Dad's Aston Martin. Still, a far-cry from the horse-drawn carriage we earlier watched deliver the happy couple to the Palace.
Happy Families: Prince Charles welcomed his new daughter-in-law into the fold at the reception later, in a speech, as the daughter he never had. Here the family line-up, including wife Duchess of Cornwall, herself a recent member of the Windsor household. The family, he said, are lucky to have Kate.
2 people married, millions party, but only the select few invited: From the Arab world this included the Moroccan Royals, Abu Dhabi and Omani Royals, as well as Prince al-Waleed bin Talal of KSA, here shown below. An Arab guest spotted in the congregation poring over the hym book to the right.
Back to the Balcony, sealed with 2 kisses: 2 for the price of one, the crowds got more than they bargained for. Responding to public demand, the pair went in for a second replay kiss. Surely a good sign that the Royals already acting on public opinion!
Harry up for grabs, girls: With one Prince taken, there is one remaining, eligible, princely bachelor. Banners outside pleaded 'Marry me Harry'. In his favor, the 3rd in line has a full head of hair (albeit ginger). Wills' bald spot, was a feature his Dad gently ribbed him on during speeches later.
Where will they be honeymooning? Speculation is still running high as to where the couple will spend the next 2 weeks. The bets aren't yet off Jordan: Perhaps a brief return to Kate's childhood past with a trip to idyllic South Jordan would make a nice poetic circle.
From Desert Rose to English Rose: Kate the younger, here with hand on Dad's knee and her tell-tale long tresses, or golden locks later- turned-brunette, rich mane of hair, spent a stint in Jordan when Father was based in Amman with British Airways.
From Desert Rose to English Rose: Kate the younger, here with hand on Dad's knee and her tell-tale long tresses, or golden locks later- turned-brunette, rich mane of hair, spent a stint in Jordan when Father was based in Amman with British Airways.
From drab Amman villa to Buckingham Palace: Kate lived in this house during her Amman 2 years plus: her humble abode in the Um Uthainah district of Amman, has since been turned into a medical center for sick children.
From drab Amman villa to Buckingham Palace: Kate lived in this house during her Amman 2 years plus: her humble abode in the Um Uthainah district of Amman, has since been turned into a medical center for sick children.
Father and Mother of the Blushing Bride: Carol and Michael Middleton both once in the air industry, flying now high in Royal Wedding bliss, having landed in a much better position than their self-made family business affluence might have taken them.
Father and Mother of the Blushing Bride: Carol and Michael Middleton both once in the air industry, flying now high in Royal Wedding bliss, having landed in a much better position than their self-made family business affluence might have taken them.
THAT dress: Kate turned heads in this catchy little flimsy number, not least the head of her Prince Charming, as she strutted down the catwalk of student fashion show at St. Andrews. He admits she caught his eye on this occasion.
THAT dress: Kate turned heads in this catchy little flimsy number, not least the head of her Prince Charming, as she strutted down the catwalk of student fashion show at St. Andrews. He admits she caught his eye on this occasion.
Cool n Casual: The student days when she started dating William during His and Her years of studying History of Art at St. Andrews. Kate was not shy of indulging in the typical student, sometimes even drunken, antics and lively partying.
Cool n Casual: The student days when she started dating William during His and Her years of studying History of Art at St. Andrews. Kate was not shy of indulging in the typical student, sometimes even drunken, antics and lively partying.
THE dress:10 years later she trades 'that' dress for this: Ivory ballgown from Alexander McQueen- a throwback to Grace Kelly's elegance- and model for brides-to-be who want that Catherine look complete with lacey arms. THIS dress walked down the mother-of-all catwalks, the Royal aisle & red carpet.
THE dress:10 years later she trades 'that' dress for this: Ivory ballgown from Alexander McQueen- a throwback to Grace Kelly's elegance- and model for brides-to-be who want that Catherine look complete with lacey arms. THIS dress walked down the mother-of-all catwalks, the Royal aisle & red carpet.
Picture Perfect: No sign of pre-wedding jitters or wobbles. Here, the nerve-wracking rite of passage as she is passed from Father to Husband; she is the image of composure.
Picture Perfect: No sign of pre-wedding jitters or wobbles. Here, the nerve-wracking rite of passage as she is passed from Father to Husband; she is the image of composure.
Still not a falter at the alter: And no wonder when her Prince has just whispered the reassuring 'You look beautiful' as the Archbishop of Canterbury proceeds to 'marry' them, and pronounce them Man and Wife (in this case Duke and Duchess).
Still not a falter at the alter: And no wonder when her Prince has just whispered the reassuring 'You look beautiful' as the Archbishop of Canterbury proceeds to 'marry' them, and pronounce them Man and Wife (in this case Duke and Duchess).
Straight from the Queen's Mouth: fresh out of the ceremony and stepping out of her Royal Carriage, the Queen volunteered that 'it was amazing' - when asked by clamoring reporters for her thoughts on the day so far.
Straight from the Queen's Mouth: fresh out of the ceremony and stepping out of her Royal Carriage, the Queen volunteered that 'it was amazing' - when asked by clamoring reporters for her thoughts on the day so far.
Kate wows the crowds: Kate does not conceal her excitement, just made royal in the last hour, as she steps onto the balcony to greet the throngs of people amassed below, and visibly lets out a ‘wow’. Her hubbie, an old hand at this, can enjoy her appreciation.
Kate wows the crowds: Kate does not conceal her excitement, just made royal in the last hour, as she steps onto the balcony to greet the throngs of people amassed below, and visibly lets out a ‘wow’. Her hubbie, an old hand at this, can enjoy her appreciation.
No ordinary 'Just Married's': Though they would like us to think otherwise, as William drives Kate from the palace to the reception afterward in an Aston Martin. Dad's Aston Martin. Still, a far-cry from the horse-drawn carriage we earlier watched deliver the happy couple to the Palace.
No ordinary 'Just Married's': Though they would like us to think otherwise, as William drives Kate from the palace to the reception afterward in an Aston Martin. Dad's Aston Martin. Still, a far-cry from the horse-drawn carriage we earlier watched deliver the happy couple to the Palace.
Happy Families: Prince Charles welcomed his new daughter-in-law into the fold at the reception later, in a speech, as the daughter he never had. Here the family line-up, including wife Duchess of Cornwall, herself a recent member of the Windsor household. The family, he said, are lucky to have Kate.
Happy Families: Prince Charles welcomed his new daughter-in-law into the fold at the reception later, in a speech, as the daughter he never had. Here the family line-up, including wife Duchess of Cornwall, herself a recent member of the Windsor household. The family, he said, are lucky to have Kate.
2 people married, millions party, but only the select few invited: From the Arab world this included the Moroccan Royals, Abu Dhabi and Omani Royals, as well as Prince al-Waleed bin Talal of KSA, here shown below. An Arab guest spotted in the congregation poring over the hym book to the right.
2 people married, millions party, but only the select few invited: From the Arab world this included the Moroccan Royals, Abu Dhabi and Omani Royals, as well as Prince al-Waleed bin Talal of KSA, here shown below. An Arab guest spotted in the congregation poring over the hym book to the right.
Back to the Balcony, sealed with 2 kisses: 2 for the price of one, the crowds got more than they bargained for. Responding to public demand, the pair went in for a second replay kiss. Surely a good sign that the Royals already acting on public opinion!
Back to the Balcony, sealed with 2 kisses: 2 for the price of one, the crowds got more than they bargained for. Responding to public demand, the pair went in for a second replay kiss. Surely a good sign that the Royals already acting on public opinion!
Harry up for grabs, girls: With one Prince taken, there is one remaining, eligible, princely bachelor. Banners outside pleaded 'Marry me Harry'. In his favor, the 3rd in line has a full head of hair (albeit ginger). Wills' bald spot, was a feature his Dad gently ribbed him on during speeches later.
Harry up for grabs, girls: With one Prince taken, there is one remaining, eligible, princely bachelor. Banners outside pleaded 'Marry me Harry'. In his favor, the 3rd in line has a full head of hair (albeit ginger). Wills' bald spot, was a feature his Dad gently ribbed him on during speeches later.
Where will they be honeymooning? Speculation is still running high as to where the couple will spend the next 2 weeks. The bets aren't yet off Jordan: Perhaps a brief return to Kate's childhood past with a trip to idyllic South Jordan would make a nice poetic circle.
Where will they be honeymooning? Speculation is still running high as to where the couple will spend the next 2 weeks. The bets aren't yet off Jordan: Perhaps a brief return to Kate's childhood past with a trip to idyllic South Jordan would make a nice poetic circle.

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