Private plans for royals’ ‘paper’ anniversary

FOR many observers captivated by the royal wedding it must seem like yesterday, but this week the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

The couple’s glittering marriage ceremony was watched by an estimated worldwide television audience of billions.

But William and Kate will be marking their first year together as husband and wife away from the public’s gaze.

A spokesman for St James’s Palace would not comment on the couple’s plans for next Sunday’s anniversary, saying only that they would be celebrating it “privately”.

The first is traditionally the “paper” anniversary, and the duke and duchess may exchange gifts or enjoy a romantic meal.

Since the couple walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey as man and wife on 29 April last year, they have had an eventful 12 months.

They honeymooned in the Seychelles, before touring Canada and California last summer, then returned home to the UK to settle down to married life.

Prince William has recently returned from a six-week deployment in the Falkland Islands as an RAF search and rescue helicopter co-pilot, while Kate has carried out a string of solo engagements around the country.

Later this week they will take part in a number of public engagements in London.