On April 29, 2011, around 2 billion people in more than 180 countries watched as Prince William wed his longtime love Kate Middleton. In the United States alone, the wedding drew more than 23 million viewers. Facebook estimated that 2.8 million people just in Great Britain and the United States had written status updates about the royal nuptials event 24 hours before the wedding began.
We watched as the couple kissed not once but twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. We saw William driving Kate in a vintage Austin Martin convertible with a "JUST WED" license plate. And then there was Kate's ravishing and truly unforgettable v-neck wedding gown with its 8 foot train designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. (Her "halo" Cartier tiara lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II, wasn't too shabby either.) And even after the wedding, we learned about their 10-day honeymoon where they rented out the entire North Island lodge in the Seychelles.
Indeed, we were smitten by this down-to-earth couple. And of course, William and Kate are smitten too. "When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her," said William in an interview when they announced their engagement. The prince even admitted to cooking for Kate in an attempt to impress her. Although, he confessed, "I would burn something, something would overspill, something would catch on fire..." During the same interview, Kate revealed, "There's a true romantic in there," about William.
Three years later, the fervent interest continues with the couple who will one day be King and Queen. This past weekend, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (a.k.a. William and Kate) released a fetching family portrait taken with baby Prince George and their black cocker spaniel, Lupo. The photo made headlines around the globe. In fact, the last official photo of the expressive tyke, who also happens to be third in line to the throne, was at his christening in October 2013.
The family portrait was released in advance of the family's upcoming three week trip to New Zealand and Australia, where major excitement is bubbling in anticipation of the royal visit. They are scheduled to race each other across Auckland Harbour in Team New Zealand Americas Cup yachts. They will be wine tasting. They are participating in a special ceremony in Christ Church for those lost in 2011 earthquake. They will visit Sydney's Taronga Zoo a special section will be named after Prince George. Their schedule is jammed packed.
Everyone wants to see Will and Kate, especially since they're so head-over-heels gaga for each other. That makes us even more gaga for them too!
Over the centuries, several royals and their wild love have created a passionately epic buzz--even for the time. Do you know who some of these Royal couples might be? (Hint: Elizabeth Taylor played one of them in a movie.) To find out, look at this gallery on Parade and discover what royal couples are famous for being madly in love.