Royal Law Prince William and Kate Middleton Had to Follow Before Their Wedding
Prince William and Kate Middleton were required to comply with an ancient royal law imposed by Queen Elizabeth II prior to their wedding in 2011. The couple, both aged 43, got married at Westminster Abbey and have since welcomed three children.
Engagement Announcement and Royal Permission
In November 2010, William and Kate announced their engagement. William had proposed the previous month during their holiday in Kenya. However, before their marriage, William needed to secure the Queen's permission due to an old royal statute dating back to 1772.
The Royal Marriages Act 1772
The Royal Marriages Act 1772 was a law enacted by the UK Parliament that set strict conditions under which royal family members could marry validly. Its purpose was to prevent marriages that might lessen the royal family's status. The monarch held the power to veto any marriage.
- The Act stated that no descendant of King George II could marry without the reigning monarch’s consent.
- This rule did not apply to princesses marrying or planning to marry into foreign families.
The Act was proposed by King George III in response to his brother, Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn, marrying a commoner, Anne Horton, in 1771.
The law sparked criticism for the sovereign’s authority to reject royal marriages.
Summary
Prince William had to formally seek Queen Elizabeth II's approval before marrying Kate Middleton, abiding by a centuries-old law designed to protect royal lineage and status.