KATHRYN CUTHBERTSON

The Queen’s pastry chef at the time, Kathryn (left) helped make 10,000 canapés for the 600 wedding guests at Buckingham Palace.

‘The basement kitchens had 21 chefs making 16 canapés per head, of which my team were doing puddings and chocolate truffles. The television was upstairs so we had to nip up to catch a glimpse of the ceremony, then run back down.’

PAUL MEALOR The composer (left) had a piece of his music chosen for the ceremony – but had to alter it after the lyrics were deemed too racy.

‘The piece they originally chose for the wedding was one I’d written in 2010 called Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal, which is a love story by Tennyson,’ he says. ‘But it has quite sensual lyrics, and after some discussion it was decided that I

might find different words. So I created a new piece by resetting the music to the words of Ubi Caritas et Amor, a Latin hymn that talks of Jesus coming to serve.’

It was Prince Charles who suggested the Welsh composer to the couple, although Paul had already met them. ‘I grew up on Anglesey in North Wales where William and Catherine were living before their wedding, so I saw them around a bit, and I’m also involved with music at St Andrews University.

‘I was so nervous at the wedding that I didn’t take everything in! In fact, the day before was just as magical, at a rehearsal. Apart from the choir the Abbey was empty and it looked amazing with the trees. It was a mystical experience hearing my music in there.’

Since the wedding Paul has written a lullaby, Sleep On, for Prince George.