The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton contained many traditional royal elements. However, one moment left many royal watchers scratching their heads. Why did Prince William keep his back to Kate Middleton as she walked down the aisle? The real reason is quite surprising.

British tradition dictates the groom faces away from the bride as she walks down the aisle

In the U.S., the groom faces the bride and watches as she walks down the aisle. But, in the UK, it’s customary for the groom to face away from the bride and turn around only when she reaches the altar.

William and Kate stuck to this tradition when they married in 2011. He kept his back to her as she walked toward her future husband and his brother, Prince Harry, at the head of the aisle at Westminster Abbey.

Kate’s procession down the aisle took four minutes. Accompanied by her father, Michael Middleton, William didn’t turn around at all as she walked the length of the long aisle.

However, Prince Harry did sneak a peek at his future sister-in-law. He reportedly whispered to his brother, “Wait until you see her.”

What non-traditional elements were at Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding?

Typically, royal brides arrive at their wedding destination in a glass coach carriage. In an attempt to be low-key and in a break from tradition, Kate Middleton opted to ride with her father, Michael Middleton, in a 1997 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.

One of the most striking nontraditional elements at Prince William and Kate’s wedding was that Kate enlisted her sister, Pippa Middleton, as a bridesmaid. Traditionally, children are bridesmaids at royal weddings.

Consequently, Prince William had Prince Harry as his “best man” instead of what is traditionally called a “supporter.” The role of Best Man typically doesn’t exist in British weddings.

Typically, weddings have only one officiant. However, Kate and William had three clergymen. These included the Dean of Westminster, Rev. Dr. John Hall, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, and the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres.

Kate and William didn’t leave for their honeymoon right away, which is typical of royal couples. Instead, they reportedly waited 10 days before jetting off to a deluxe vacation in Seychelles.

Kate and William opted out of wedding gifts

Prince William and Kate Middleton on their 2011 wedding day | Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Guardian reported that the couple opted out of wedding gifts. Thus, instead of a multitude of presents, they asked for donations.

A statement issued by Clarence House, as reported by the website, read: “Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund.

“Many of the charities are little known, without existing royal patronage, and undertake excellent work within specific communities. They are charities that have a particular resonance with Prince William and Miss Middleton and reflect issues in which the couple have been particularly interested in their lives to date.”

Kate Middleton and Prince William wed on Apr. 29, 2011. They recently celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary and are parents to three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.