Will and Kate's whirlwind newlywed year [Exclusive video]

By Matt Donnelly

April 20, 2012 12 AM PT

Was it only a year ago that sparkling commoner Kate Middleton ascended the ranks of the British royal family, marrying Prince William in a global media frenzy?

It hardly feels like it, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will reach 12 months of wedded bliss come April 29, and the Ministry has some exclusive video to help you celebrate.

“William & Kate: One Year Later,” which airs on TLC this Sunday, recaps a whirlwind year that includes a secluded honeymoon, a revving up of royal duties, tours of Canada and Southern California and a bit of nesting in Anglesey, North Wales.

In the video above, royal experts recount the couple’s brief honeymoon (which we were happy to dish on) and the major task that came right on its heels: meeting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

ROYAL WEDDING: Full coverage and pictures

“I don’t think, for Kate, that having an engagement like meeting the Obamas would throw her,” says one palace-watcher.

“She’s done a girls boarding school followed by a mixed boarding school … followed by St. Andrew’s University, and then she’s joined the Firm,” the talking head added, “the Firm” being one of our favorite nicknames for the royal family’s inner sanctum.

“This girl’s been schooled within an inch of her life in how to behave in difficult situations.”

Naturally, Kate passed her Obama introduction with flying colors, then charmed Hollywood and many more at countless goodwill appearances across the United Kingdom.

Catch the special at 10 p.m. Sunday on TLC, and check back with the Ministry to see how Will and Kate will celebrate the milestone.

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Follow Matt Donnelly on Twitter @mattdonnelly.