Kate Middleton's Viral Wedding Vow Video Proves She Chose Not to Say a Key Phrase

Although Kate Middleton and Prince William’s royal wedding was broadcast on live television in more than 180 countries on April 29, 2011, social media platforms like TikTok have given us the ability to relive that special day more than a decade later. On February 22, 2023, the TikTok user @rm9498gul posted a clip of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ ceremony to the streaming platform. The video shows Kate reciting her traditional wedding vows while her soon-to-be husband looks lovingly at her. “I, Catherine Elizabeth, take thee, William Arthur Philip Louis, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death us do part, according to God's holy law, and thereto I give thee my troth,” she says during the ceremony. 

Since the video has resurfaced on TikTok, it’s already accumulated 809,000 views, more than 53,000 likes, 485 comments, and 131 shares. The top comment says, “The way William looks at Kate.” Another user wrote, “Beautiful couple. I don’t know how she did it. She must have been terrified but doesn’t show it.” Other users have commented on the way she articulated her promises. “She has a ‘princess’ voice!” another account says. “She’s the epitome of royalty!”

For the most part, the royal bride and groom exchanged traditional vows from the Book of Common Prayer, but Kate didn’t promise to “obey” her husband when they said their “I dos” at Westminster Abbey. The Princess of Wales followed in her late mother-in-law's footsteeps: Princess Diana also dropped that word when she wed Prince Charles in 1981, and she was the first royal bride to do so. 

Prince William shared similar vows. "I, William Arthur Philip Louis, take thee, Catherine Elizabeth to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth,” he stated during their nuptials.

The clip also shows the couple standing at the altar in their special attire. Kate is seen wearing her custom Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown, a long-sleeve lace ensemble with floral appliqués, a deep V-neck, and an eight-foot train. The princess also donned a diamond tiara on loan from Queen Elizabeth II and a mid-length, floral-embroidered veil. By her side, William is shown in his Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform, which included a red coat that Elizabeth reportedly selected. He also decorated his outfit with his Royal Air Force wings, the Garter sash and star, and the queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.