Prince Harry Writes That Prince William Was “Drunk” on the Morning of His Wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011
To Harry, William’s wedding day represented “yet another farewell.”

According to an excerpt from Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, the Duke of Sussex claims that his older brother, Prince William, was tipsy just hours before he married Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey.
Harry—who stood at his brother’s side for his big day, and vice versa when Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018—writes, according to Hello, that William was “drunk” as the two greeted well-wishers on the Mall that morning.
“Harry described rolling down the car windows ahead of the appearance and offering his groom-to-be brother a mint to help mask the scent of rum, which he had been drinking the previous evening,” the outlet reports. “Harry also explained that William looked like he hadn’t slept a wink as he picked him up for his big day and, despite William’s attempts to reassure his younger brother that he was fine, Harry wasn’t convinced.”
Harry also writes that William had confessed to him he was “frustrated” in the leadup to his wedding, mostly surrounding “his lack of choice, including his wedding outfit,” Hello reports.
His brother’s wedding day proved difficult for Harry, who said of William marrying Kate that it felt like “yet another farewell,” People reports.
“The brother I’d escorted into Westminster Abbey that morning was gone—forever,” Harry writes. “Who could deny it? He’d never again be first and foremost Willy. We’d never again ride together across the Lesotho countryside with capes blowing behind us. We’d never again share a horsey-smelling cottage while learning to fly. Who shall separate us? Life, that’s who.”
Harry added in the memoir, “and I recall Willy walking her back up the aisle, and as they disappeared through the door, into the carriage that would convey them to Buckingham Palace, into the eternal partnership they’d pledged, I recall thinking: Goodbye.”
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
And speaking of Westminster Abbey, the book also reveals, per Us Weekly, that William told his brother that he couldn’t marry Meghan Markle at that same location, as he and Kate had already done it. Harry and Meghan ultimately married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The totality of Spare hits shelves this Tuesday, January 10.
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.
-
Kristen Bell Says She Has No "Chemistry" With Adam Brody
"We're like an old granny and grampy. It's not hot and heavy on set at all."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate "Put Her Foot Down" About One Royal Tradition
The Princess of Wales is raising her kids on her own terms.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Shares Astounding Artwork by Her Kids
The Princess of Wales showcased her own artistic prowess with a delicate drawing.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate "Put Her Foot Down" and Refused to Let George, Charlotte, and Louis Take Part in "Blooding" Tradition
The Princess of Wales is raising her kids on her own terms.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Reportedly Had a Safety Scare at the Invictus Games and Was Forced to Leave an Event Early
The Duke of Sussex was apparently "ushered out" by his security team.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Had a Royal Family Reunion at the Invictus Games With Two Unexpected Royals
The Duke of Sussex was joined by the prince and princess at a sitting volleyball game.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Trades Her Red Carpet BAFTAs Gown for a Luxe Beach Vacation Bikini
She's skipping the awards ceremony for a private island loved by celebs.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Didn't Have a Romantic Bone in His Body" Before Falling in Love With Kate Middleton
"William also attempted to turn Kate's head with his sporting prowess."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Will Likely Make Their Joint Royal Debut at this Event
Fans might have to wait a while.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Share This Parenting Conundrum as They Honor Princess Diana
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex have found themselves in similar situations recently.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Make Their Debut on Mom Meghan's Instagram Account for Valentine's Day
The Duchess of Sussex shared a video of her kids helping make some sweet treats.
By Kristin Contino Published