Prince William and Kate's secret university 'decoy' ties the knot in stunning Highlands wedding – see photos


Bryony Daniels was a close friend of Prince William and Kate during their university days at St Andrews and played a crucial role in their budding romance


Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in St Andrews, Scotland ahead of a visit to the university in 2011© PA Images via Getty Images
Eleanor Dye
Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
Updated: 2 hours ago
Share this:

The Princess of Wales's 'secret decoy' from the early days of her romance with Prince William has announced she's tied the knot 25 years later. 

Bryony Daniels took to Instagram over the weekend to reveal stunning pictures of her Scottish Highlands wedding to Adair Williams, the Duke of Sutherland. 

The events organiser was often seen attending lectures alongside the now Prince of Wales at the University of St Andrews, prompting royal romance rumours. However, it's now believed she was trying to deflect attention away from his blossoming relationship with Kate, now 44. 

In new photos shared to Instagram, Bryony was seen kissing her new husband next to the "most handsome of Land Rovers", before the newlyweds enjoyed their first car ride as husband and wife. 

View post on Instagram
 

Bryony, wearing a gold dress from Emilia Wickstead and a classic white veil, was accompanied by one of her beloved dogs for the wedding party at Strathvaich Lodge, a traditional sporting estate set in the heart of the Highlands. 

"One glorious week of being yours, and you mine," she wrote, adding: "Suitably blessed by the ever-present Highland summertime rain. Down Strath and up Monuments by hoof, foot, tank all in one day - Get away vehicle = the most handsome of Land Rovers."

It's not known whether the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the nuptials. 

Princess Kate's 'university decoy' announces engagement

Bryony and Adair announced their engagement back in March, with the bride-to-be writing "at last!" as she revealed the news on social media. 

Sharing a cutting of the formal announcement in The Telegraph alongside the sparkling ring, Bryony said: "Holding tightly to the neckstrap @a_g_w_w #kickon #thehuntisover #engagement #summertime Happy birthday @paulinedaniels21 #atlast xx." 

Bryony Daniels is a university friend of Prince William and Kate© Getty
Bryony Daniels is a university friend of Prince William and Kate

It appears the original announcement was made in November, with the bride-to-be sharing a series of photos from the proposal, which took place in October. 

She wrote: "My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer, chasing the wild deer, and following the roe. My heart's in the Highlands, wherever you will go."

Bryony Daniels' friendship with Prince William and Kate

Bryony was close friends with William and Kate at St Andrews, which they attended from 2001 to 2005. 

Bryony has also appeared on the catwalk during her time at the St Andrew's University© Alamy
Bryony has also appeared on the catwalk during her time at the St Andrew's University

Like Kate, Bryony also took part in a university fashion show, and later attended the couple's wedding in 2011 at Westminster Abbey after they finally went public with their romance in 2004. 

According to the Times, the Suffolk heiress was among those invited to join Prince William and his then girlfriend Kate for a pre-Christmas shooting party on the Queen's estate at Sandringham prior to their marriage.

Bryony now works for Liquid OPM, a firm that organises events ranging from product launches to wedding celebrations. Adair, meanwhile, holds a PhD in fluid dynamics after first earning a degree in mechanical engineering. 

More Royalty
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.