Prince William and Kate — a.k.a. the just-married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — definitely got their party on at Buckingham Palace (hosted by his father Prince Charles) on Friday night.
Just 300 close friends and family of the newly-titled Duke, 28, and Duchess, 29, scored an invite to the intimate bash, where both the royal bride and her Maid of Honor Pippa Middleton stunned in gowns by Sarah Burton and Alice Temperley, respectively.
Only Us Weekly has the details on the emotional, raucous evening!
The bride and groom began the night with their romantic first dance: A cover of Elton John's "Your Song" by pop singer Ellie Goulding. The up-and-coming star (whose 2010 album Lights is a favorite of the couple) followed up the classic ballad of devotion with her own up-tempo hit, "Starry Eyed" — which got the guests dancing!
"The atmosphere was incredible," Goulding told Us exclusively the next day. "It is a night I'll never forget."
When it was time to chow down, the menu included a crab starter, a beef filet main dish and a trio of desserts, including chocolate pudding, ice cream and brandy, and a blackberry-raspberry concoction.
"The speeches were very emotional," one female guest told Us. Man of Honor Prince Harry's speech for this big brother was a highlight. According to another guest, frequent jokester Harry, 26, took pains not to embarrass his big brother. After thanking his father Prince Charles, stepmother Duchess Camilla and grandmother Queen Elizabeth, Harry paid touching tribute to their late mother, Princess Diana, who passed away at age 36 in 1997.
Harry noted that their late mom inspired them to become the men they are — and that he sees so much of Diana in William. Duchess Kate — whom Harry likened to a sister — got teary, according to a witness.
The last dance of the night? "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon.
When the bash was officially over at 2 a.m., departing guests were given two chocolate cupcakes (housed in a plastic box) featuring Mario Testino's iconic shot of the happy couple on top. (The cupcakes were custom-made by James Middleton's Cake Kit Company.), Before boarding carriages off the palace grounds, the revelers enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display.
"We had a fantastic time!" one guest told Us.
Commemorate Will & Kate’s big day with our Us Collectors Edition: Royal Wedding with all the photos, anecdotes and details of the wedding. Available for pre-order now and on sale May 6.
