While many believe they have a complete understanding of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s royal wedding in 2011, there was actually a private celebration that followed the grand event.
In his memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, Princess Kate’s brother, James Middleton, offers intriguing insights into this intimate gathering, which contrasted sharply with the formalities of the ceremony held at Westminster Abbey.
James describes the atmosphere at the Goring Hotel, where he and his family stayed during the wedding celebrations on April 29, 2011, as “bustling” yet “calm.” During a stroll in the hotel’s garden with his dog, Ella, he made an unexpected discovery.
James Middleton recalled that stars like Jon Bon Jovi and Mick Jagger had previously performed at the original Basil’s Bar
He noted in his book that a replica of Basil’s Bar from Mustique, a small private island in the Grenadines that the family frequented, had been recreated on the hotel grounds.
Describing the bar as the “social heart of the island,” James recalled that celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi and Mick Jagger had performed there in the past. James elaborated that the replica allowed wedding guests to feel as if they were at a Caribbean getaway while being in a London garden.
He also mentioned that the Middletons were such frequent visitors to Basil’s Bar that its owner, coincidentally named Basil, attended the wedding. In a humorous twist, James revealed that his dog made a visit to the bar before any of the wedding guests had the chance to do so.
Although James did not provide further details about the Caribbean-themed celebration, we do know that the now-Princess of Wales changed from her stunning white lace wedding dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen into a satin ballgown for the private reception. It remains unclear whether she donned a different dress for the island-inspired party.
