Prince Harry organised a memorable stag weekend for Prince William before his 2011 wedding to Catherine, then Kate Middleton, complete with a costume and drinking games, according to a royal biography.
The weekend-long celebration took place a month before the royal wedding on 29 April 2011, at Hartland Abbey in north Devon, the residence of William's friend George Stucley. Around 20 of William's closest friends attended, including Eton school friend James Meade, Thomas van Straubenzee from Ludgrove Prep School, and Hugh van Cutsem, one of King Charles' godsons.
Surfing, shooting and costumes
In his biography William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, the Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers writes that the group "spent the weekend learning to surf near a secluded cove called Speke's Mill, while Harry later organised shooting on the estate and a range of drinking games."
William was also "forced to dress up in a wig and apron with fake chest hair," according to Myers.
Kate's hen do and royal advice
Catherine's hen do was planned by her sister, Pippa, who hosted a gathering at her Chelsea flat for a select few of Catherine's closest school friends, featuring "cocktails and karaoke."
In her memoir Cheryl: My Story, Cheryl Cole recalled that Catherine told her she had dressed up as the singer on her hen night, "in a body suit and split trousers and sang Fight for This Love," adding that Catherine "learnt the dance routine and was considered step-perfect by all."
Myers also revealed that the late Queen offered Catherine advice ahead of the wedding. In December 2010, the monarch invited her to Buckingham Palace to discuss the nuptials, offering encouragement about her future role and guidance on dealing with "headstrong" husbands. The Queen also advised against worrying about the guest list, noting many attendees would be unfamiliar, and offered Catherine the chance to select a piece from her personal jewellery collection.
