Millions of people around the world have memories of watching Prince William and Kate’s milestone royal wedding a decade ago, either on television or maybe even as part of the crowds lining the streets. However, for those who found themselves actually taking part in the big day, the recollections are perhaps a little bit more vivid and also all the more unique. Among those who found themselves at the center of the excitement on April 29, 2011 were the team at Westminster Abbey, and some have shared their recollections with T&C 10 years on.
“We are the anonymous people at these big occasions. But we probably make the loudest noise,” says bell ringer Jeremy Pratt, who was part of the group ringing the Abbey’s 10 bells on the wedding day before and after the service for a total of about four hours. He recalls being “excited and nervous in equal proportions,” adding, “You are producing a noise which is very public, it has to be perfect.” As crowds thronged in the streets below, the bell ringers climbed up into the Abbey’s north west tower, where they were in position from 9 a.m. ready to start ringing for 45 minutes before the bride arrived.
“I remember going into the church and the decoration in the nave—the trees—that really struck us,” says Clarke Walters, who was also bell-ringing on the day. He recalled how they hadn’t had any direct practice because the Abbey bells are not rung other than on special occasions, but noted that everyone…
