‘It’s a special connection with them’
SARAH FRAGNITO, 37, FROM CHELMSFORD, ESSEX, IS MARRIED TO MICHAEL, 39
‘Iwonder what Prince William and Kate are doing for their anniversary this year,’ I’ve mused every year since they got married in 2011. There is no chance of me forgetting the day they wed, because me and my husband Michael tied the knot on the same day! I love the Royal Family, especially William and Kate, and it was really special to have that small connection with them. But I have to admit, that’s about the only thing we have in common with them. I met Michael when he joined the insurance firm I worked at when I was 21. Straight away, he caught my eye. Despite being Italian and a real good laugh, he’s also very calm and comforting. We got together and became a couple, and on a holiday to Rome in September 2009, he proposed. I should have known something was up – he’d barely eaten anything all night – but it was a lovely surprise! We got straight into organising our big day and picked Friday, 29 April 2011 – far cheaper than a weekend wedding. Friends and family agreed to take the day off work but in the end, they didn’t need to, when it was declared a bank holiday for William and Kate. I just had time to raise a glass of champagne to the other happy couple and see Kate’s dress before slipping on my shoes and heading off to say my own vows. Every year, I’ve remembered our shared big day with a smile. Like them, we’ve had three children – Elena, Elio and Luisa – but sadly only two of them are still with us. We always thought we would return to Mexico, where we went on honeymoon, for our 10th anniversary, but sadly, that isn’t to be. But hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate in the Summer, along with Michael’s 40th birthday. And we’ll raise a glass to Kate and William, as well as ourselves, for making the milestone.