1 of 8
Britains Prince William and his wife Catherine kiss as they stand next to bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem in central London
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine kiss as they stand next to bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem in central London Reuters

The royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William was an iconic event and saw nearly two billion people around the world tuning in to catch a glimpse of history in the making. They were not disappointed - it was as big a spectacle as it had promised to be.

When William kissed his bride on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, the crowd eagerly urged them on for a second peck on the lips - it was the Perfect Moment! They have been in public's scanner since then, counting down the moments until the Royal baby is announced.

"The main point is that they look as if they're enjoying themselves," Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine was quoted as saying in News Sentinel, "The first year of marriage is difficult for everybody and they've adapted to their role admirably."

The couple's first royal duty was an official engagement to meet US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, at Buckingham Palace.

A number of public engagements later... when Prince William was away on RAF duty in the Falkland Islands, the Duchess of Cambridge gracefully took up her first solo public appearance, visiting the National Portrait Gallery.

"You would never know it was her first solo engagement. It was as if she had been trained by the Prince of Wales," Robin Boles, the charity's chief executive told People online, "She was completely natural, professional and charmed everyone."

Meanwhile, Kate prepared for her first military engagement - on St. Patrick's Day - for the Irish Guards, carrying on the royal tradition of passing out shamrocks to officers of the 1st Battalion.

In addition, the Duchess proved herself as being good with children, delivering her first public address at the East Anglia Children's Hospice in Ipswich and winning everyone's heart.

She has also evolved her very own style statement, with young women everywhere following her fashion lead. Her elegant mannerisms, always perfect hair and charmingly ladylike demeanor are all things women across the world aspire to.

The royal couple has planned to celebrate their first anniversary "privately".

For now, then, catch a glimpse of the duo through their first year in public life...

Barack Obama Kate Middleton