The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will mark their first anniversary of marriage ‘quietly and privately’ this Sunday, Clarence House said.

The royal couple is expected to retreat to a quiet cottage on the grounds of Balmoral, the Scottish estate where they spent time as students at St Andrews University.

The low-key celebration couldn’t be further from the world’s memories of 29 April 2011, when Kate Middleton stepped into a horse-drawn carriage and rode straight into history. Thousands of guests attended the ceremony in Westminster Abbey, and millions of admirers watched or listened to the broadcasts across the globe. Images of the Duchess in her bespoke Alexander McQueen wedding gown have become perhaps the most iconic representations of modern monarchy, and made a star of designer Sarah Burton.

The intervening year has seen the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reassert their desire for a quiet, private life together at every turn—with a few glittering exceptions. There was the honeymoon to the Seychelles, the designer-fashion-fuelled trip to North America, and several memorable charity gala appearances. Kate underlined her status as the epitome of tastefulness and appropriateness with every outfit change. And in January, she announced that she would undertake honourary positions with five British charities, shining her star power on select groups’ work for children and the arts.

Before the Cambridges can celebrate, they have several commitments to attend to. On Wednesday, they will attend the premiere of a wildlife documentary at BFI Southbank, accompanied by around 100 children; tomorrow, they’ll celebrate two teams from the armed forces who re-created Captain Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen’s voyages to the South Pole. Finally, on Thursday evening, Will and Kate will launch a fundraising campaign at the Imperial War Museum.

See the gifts team ELLE would give the happy couple for their first anniversary...

Watch all the Royal Wedding highlights here...

Check out Kate the bride & all of her celebrity guests on the big day...

Take a look at the final preparations for the wedding...

Read what Sarah Burton had to say about 'That Dress'...