How best man brother quipped his way through the wedding... but not everyone was amused (we're talking about you, sister Pippa)

By Daily Mail Reporter


Kate's second dress was a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist.
William stuck to the safe bet of a dinner jacket and bow tie


-William and Kate leave Buckingham Palace by helicopter this morning

-Mystery surrounding couple's honeymoon destination
-Couple spent first married night together at the Palace

-Prince Charles quipped about his son going bald during speeches

-Harry leaves party in minibus at 3am - while Chelsy Davy leaves in car with Beatrice and Eugenie

It was the most nerve-wracking moment of the whole day. No, not Kate Middleton walking down the aisle - Prince Harry's best man speech.

He is infamous for his bad jokes and the Queen and Prince Philip opted to stay away from Buckingham Palace as Harry turned Palace jester last night.

And Prince Charles was reportedly in jovial mood - joking about his newly-married son going bald. William hit back with a joked about his father's waistline.


This morning the couple flew out of Buckingham Palace in a helicopter as they head off on their honeymoon - but their destination remains a mystery.

Last night joker Prince Harry struck again with a quip about his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh being dwarfed by Kate Middleton, who stood tall in three-inch heels alongside her prince.

His stunning second sister-in-law Pippa, 27, did not appear amused – but she will need to get used to Harry’s humour.

After the lavish Palace party for 300 family and friends last night guests slowly began to leave the party from 11pm onwards with the last departing at 3am.

Prince Harry boarded a minibus with around a dozen over people while Kate Middleton and Prince William spent their first night as a married couple in one of the suites at the Palace.

Chelsy Davy was seen leaving in a car with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. There was a short 20 second blast of fireworks at the end of the party.

Palace joker: Prince Harry leaves Buckingham Palace in a coach - while wedding guest Chelsy Davy left in a royal car with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

Casually dressed, the newly-wed couple leave Buckingham Palace this morning to head off on their honeymoon

Mystery: The couple are heading off on their honeymoon - although their destination is unknown. Kenya and Scotland are the 3-1 favourites, bookmakers said

Royal honeymoon: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, fly off from Buckingham Palace this morning


The older guests were seen leaving earlier in the evening before the last of the partygoers got into cars at 3am - or walked off down The Mall.

Some partygoers could be seen kissing in the back of taxis as the vehicles left the lavish late night event.

Prince Charles, who kept a low-profile throughout the wedding say, was this morning back in his Aston Martin car that William used to drive Kate to Clarence House yesterday afternoon.

Long day: Princesses Beatrice and Eugiene leave in a royal car with Chelsy Davy, centre

Royal departure: Prince Charles is driven away from Clarence House in his Aston Martin which William used to drive Kate yesterday with the numberplate 'Just Wed'

Flashback: William drives his new wife in his father's soft top, decorated in balloons, out of Buckingham Palace and down to Clarence House


After a very public wedding watched by an estimated two billion people, the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be hoping for some privacy on their honeymoon.

The royals are expected to set off to a mystery location today and William has taken a fortnight's leave from his job as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot for the holiday.

The destination has so far been shrouded in secrecy, with William having reportedly not even told his new wife where they are going, but speculation is rife over possible choices.

The Duchess had switched into a new white outfit for last night's party - also created by Sarah Burton who designed her wedding gown.

The second dress was a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist, St James's Palace said.
Kate was also wearing a white angora bolero cardigan.

Princess Beatrice leaves the Palace in a purple and gold outfit after the evening celebration for 300 close friends and family

Morning after: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is driven away from Clarence House this morning after last night's celebration at Buckingham Palace

All change: Pippa Middleton, right, and Carole Middleton, left, in fresh outfits for evening celebration

EVEN KATE DOESN'T KNOW WHERE SHE'S GOING ON HONEYMOON TODAY

The royal couple's honeymoon destination remains a closely-guarded secret as they try to enjoy a private break together after the most public of weddings.

The Caribbean, Australia, Kenya and Jordan are among the exotic destinations that William and Kate could fly to.

Bookmakers had this morning made Kenya the 3-1 joint favourite after a punter had tried to place a £5,000 stake.

But they may continue their wedding theme of championing the UK and spend part of their break in Scotland, where both the Queen and the Prince of Wales have private homes they could use.

Bookies are also offering 3-1 odds on William and Kate heading north of the border.

The Duke is known to have a deep affection for Africa, and would be on safe romantic territory if he chose to take his wife to Kenya, where he proposed to her last year.

Jordan, with its plethora of ancient sites, has also been touted as a possibility for the couple's honeymoon.

The Middle Eastern country would no doubt have nostalgic appeal for Kate as her family spent two years there when she was a child. However its proximity to hotspots such as Syria could count against the country.

If they are keen to escape the prying eyes of the media, a secluded Caribbean island might be a safe choice.

Bequia and Necker Island all have the benefit of being easily secured, as does the ultra-exclusive Mustique, where Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are frequent visitors.

Lizard Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has also emerged as a contender.

However, with William resuming his pilot duties in two weeks, the significant jetlag likely from such a far-flung trip could rule it out.

They may also be tempted by Chile, as they both spent time in the South American country during their gap years before university.

Thirty years ago, William's parents the Prince and Princess of Wales spent the first stage of their honeymoon in Romsey in Hampshire, where they stayed at Broadlands, the family home of the Mountbattens.

The second part of their holiday was spent on board the royal yacht Britannia. They boarded at the Rock of Gibraltar before cruising to Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, the Greek islands and Egypt.

Finally, they went to Scotland to spend time with the Royal Family in Balmoral.

Honeymoon destination odds

3/1 Kenya; 3/1 Scotland; 7/2 Jordan; 11/2 Cornwall, 6/1 South Africa,7/1 Caribbean, 10/1 Mustique; 10/1 Tanzania, 20/1 Seychelles, 20/1 Saint Tropez, 25/1 Australia, 25/1 Monaco, 25/1 Maldives, 33/1 Wales (all odds from William Hill)

Just wed: Couple return to Buckingham Palace last night for the evening reception with 300 guests where Prince harry delivered his best man speech

One last look: Unable to resist a backward glance, Kate leaves the balcony with her proud husband


The couple left with Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. The royal party looked happy and relaxed.

The heir to the throne and his son, the new Duke of Cambridge, were dressed in dinner jackets with black bow ties.

Kate had her hair down in her favourite style for the private par
ty.

Camilla wore a light blue hand-embroidered high-collared floor length Anna Valentine dress for the evening.

The new Duchess's family had left the Goring Hotel shortly before 7.30pm.

Her sister Pippa had changed from her bridesmaid dress into a long emerald green sleeveless dress with a jewelled embellishment on the front and a plunging neckline.

Her hair was pinned up at the back and she was carrying a clutch bag.

Kate Middleton, in her gown for the evening, left Clarence House alongside Camilla Parker Bowles for the short journey to Buckingham Palace

Helping hand: Prince Charles holds Eliza Lopes while her grandmother, the Duchess of Cornwall, looks on

Welcome to the Firm: The Middletons share the public's acclaim on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Kate's parents Mike and Carole are on the left, next to Prince Charles holding the Duchess of Cornwall's granddaughter Eliza Lopes. The bride's sister Pippa stands between Princes Philip and Harry


Kate's mother Carole Middleton smiled after stumbling slightly as she came down the stairs at the hotel and her son James placed a guiding hand on her back as she climbed into a silver people carrier.

Yesterday, bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem had no qualms about showing her annoyance at the traditions of the day.

The three-year-old covered her ears grumpily as the flypast took place noisily overhead.

She may, too, have been grimacing about the soppy sweet nothings being whispered just over her left shoulder.

A lip reader’s analysis showed that, following their first kiss, William touchingly told his new bride ‘I love you’ before going in for a second crowd-thrilling embrace.

‘Let’s give them another one. l love you. One more kiss, one more kiss, okay,’ he said.

After the final kiss he gently mocked the enthusiasm of the cheering hordes, saying: ‘Come on! Come on! More! More! More!’

Prince Charles was also more tactile than usual, as he lifted up his wife’s young granddaughter Eliza Lopes so she could get a better view.

Charmed: Prince Philip has more success with the head bridesmaid

Unamused: Infamous joker Prince Harry provokes a grimace from Pippa


source:dailymail

The universe's reaction to the royal wedding

By TOM LEONARD

Coming to a halt: Despite the early start, thousands gathered in New York's Times Square to watch the ceremony on the big screens


Proudly republican America predictably led the charge as the world celebrated the royal wedding with wall-to-wall media coverage and celebrations as far away as Antarctica and even outer space.

The event drew an estimated two billion television viewers around the world, with many broadcasters scheduling royal-themed programmes long into the day.

Some of the biggest names in US broadcasting, including Barbara Walters, Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer, had decamped to London in an operation comparable in scale to a presidential election.


Big fans: Mardi Cockburn, left, and Margo Flewelling hold up their flag showing the Royal couple at Old Government House in Fredericton, New Brunswick


Personal greeting: These astronauts at the International Space Station sent a celebratory message to the couple


Molly Davis, left, and Amanda D'Aquila joined the large crowd in Times Square to watch the royal wedding on the screens


Aided by squads of British analysts, they provided American viewers with advice on such crucial etiquette questions as who will now courtesy to whom as well as the inevitable minute dissections of the wedding dress.

The royal theme continued on many channels with daytime show hosts and audiences alike wearing hats and tiaras in studios kitted out in Union flags and suits of armour.


Better weather than London: Under cloudless skies, hundreds of Britons watched a live broadcast of the ceremony on a beach in the Gulf emirate of Dubai


The ABC network even found their own all-American William and Kate to marry on air. However, the presenters on the American morning talk show The View marred the celebrations with controversial comments.

Comedian Joy Behar said the Queen had dressed like a 'bumble bee' while comedian Sherri Shepherd asked 'where are all the black people?'

There were wedding parties, often accompanied by full English breakfast, across the US.

Hundreds gathered in New York’s Times Square, waving Union flags and wearing fancy hats, to watch on a giant TV screen.


In the swing of things: These four Brits model masks of the Royal family as others watch events unfold at Westminster Abbey


'It brought tears to my eyes,' said Heather Mauro, 28, an occupational therapist. 'Everything was perfect, prim and proper, just like the English do.'

More than 250 guests wore prince and princess attire to watch the event in the wedding pavilion at Walt Disney World in Florida.

About 220 miles above Earth, NASA broadcast TV coverage of the royal wedding live to the international space station where the crew watched it and sent a congratulatory message to the couple.


Party time: Members of the 4SCOTS pose with a wedding cake (and the happy couple) made by army caterers in Helmand province


Time out: Soldiers from across the Army took time off from their duties in Kabul, Afghanistan, to enjoy a drink during the wedding ceremony


Cheers! Expatriates raise a glass to the Duke and Duchess as they watch the wedding on a TV in Kabul


Down in Antarctica, British scientists battled outside in high winds to toast them at the Halley survey station.

France could have been expected to be more lukewarm, especially given the Sarkozys’ absence from the guest list.

But despite complaints from L’Express newspaper that ‘not one Frenchie is invited to the wedding of the century’, the Gallic media gave the wedding top billing with all major TV channels providing live coverage.


Fancy dress: One reveller in Sydney, Australia, used the occasion to don their best Prince Charles mask


Wedding reception: Dressed in their best dresses, crowns and other royal theme costumes, party-goers at Sydney's Lord Dudley hotel, react as they watch the wedding


Dressed for the occasion: People drink champagne from the bottle as they concentrate on the wedding at the Palace Theatre in Ontario, Canada


Something to remember: These two women take photos of others at an early morning breakfast at a hotel in Nova Scotia


Union flags and pictures of William and Kate dominated front pages with Le Figaro offering a 79-page supplement entitled “So British”.

In Italy, there was rolling coverage of the wedding both on state and commercial TV, with four channels broadcasting live from London.



Big screen event: Franziska von Bergmann, Marlies Koepke and Jennifer Tapp follow the wedding in a cinema in Munich


We remember the last one: Elderly residents of this retirement home in Hamburg watch events unfold on the TV


Tear-jerker: Two women can barely contain their delight as they watch the wedding at a shopping centre in Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong


In one of countless ex-pat wedding parties around the globe, British residents of Rome gathered to watch events on a giant TV screen and eat specially-made Sicilian chocolates decorated with images of the couple.

In Germany, wedding fans had to take the day off to watch it as employers enforced a strict ban on following it on workplace TVs and computers.

Bild newspaper bemoaned the sorry state of German nobility on its front page, pointing out the '25 most embarrassing' to its readers and asking; 'Why don't we have royals like the Windsors?'


Not missing out: These British tourists in the Turkish city of Aydin watched the ceremony in a local cafe


Patriotic: Three women show off their Union Flag dresses and William and Kate bags in a pub in Aydin


Formal affair: British Ambassador to Romania Martin Harris and his family watch the Royal Wedding at the British embassy


At Tsinghua University in China nearly 200 couples tied the knot at a collective wedding ceremony that coincided with events in London.

The international joy was not universal. The Iranian state news channel groused that the “people of this monarchical country” were having to pay for the "most expensive" royal wedding in British history at a time of “economic stagnation”.

It added: 'The people of this country are forced to work around-the-clock so that princesses can pile up cash.'


source: dailymail

Happy and glorious: OFFICIAL Royal Wedding album is released

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Full over joy and not a care in the world: William and Kate smile broadly as they stand arm-in-arm in the official wedding album


Clarence House today released the official Royal Wedding album that shows the beaming bride and groom in the throne room at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William and Kate posed for the stunning photographs shortly after getting married in a moving ceremony that captivated the world yesterday.

The newly-titled Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to be lost in matrimonial bliss as they smiled for the traditional wedding day photo album taken by Hugo Burnand.

No sooner had they arrived at Buckingham Palace from the service at Westminster Abbey did the rapturous family assume their positions for the pictures.

In the first photograph the couple stand arm-in-arm together against a stunning rich red velvet backdrop trimmed with gold.


Happy: William and Kate surrounded by, clockwise bottom right, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


The second official photograph shows William and Kate sat more informally on a step. Kate's wonderful dress flows onto the floor around them as she clutches her bouquet.

Sitting around the newlyweds are two pageboys and four bridesmaids. They are from clockwise from the bottom right The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.


The family photo: Front row left to right is Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Louise Windsor, William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row left to right is Tom Pettifer, Camilla, Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate, Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, James Middleton and Philippa Middleton


In the third photograph, the newlyweds pose for the traditional wedding photograph flanked by their families.

To the left of Kate stands her father Michael Middleton, mother Carole Middleton, brother James Middleton and sister Philipa Middleton.

Standing by William's side is Prince Harry, followed by Prince Charles,Camilla and Master Tom Pettifer.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sit on the front way with Miss Grace van Cutsem and Miss Eliza Lopes to their right.

One the other side of the front row in front of the Middleton family is the Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Lady Louise Windsor, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.


First day as husband and wife: Newlyweds William and Kate emerged holding hands into the morning sunshine at Buckingham Palace before they left by helicopter for their honeymoon at a mystery location


Married life began for newlyweds William and Kate today when they left London for a mystery destination.

The couple spent last night partying at Buckingham Palace with their close family and friends in celebration of their wedding.

But this morning they left Buckingham Palace by helicopter for an undisclosed destination.


source: dailymail

Two kisses...two families coming together at last

By Paul Harris


Welcome to the Firm: The Middletons share the public's acclaim on the Buckingham Palace balcony


He is infamous for his bad jokes – and even on the Buckingham Palace balcony Prince Harry struck again. The 26-year-old quipped that his grandfather, Prince Philip, was dwarfed by Kate Middleton, who stood tall in three-inch heels alongside her prince.

His stunning second sister-in-law Pippa, 27, did not appear amused – but she will need to get used to Harry’s humour. And at least she seemed happier talking to the Duke of Edinburgh, 89, who is renowned for his charm with beautiful women.

Unimpressed: Three-year-old Grace van Cutsem fails to join in the excitement


Yards away, bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem had no qualms about showing her annoyance at the traditions of the day. The three-year-old covered her ears grumpily as the flypast took place noisily overhead. She may, too, have been grimacing about the soppy sweet nothings being whispered just over her left shoulder.

All eyes on the sky: The balcony party watch the RAF's Battle of Britain flypast


A lip reader’s analysis showed that, following their first kiss, Wil- Paul Harris reports liam touchingly told his new bride ‘I love you’ before going in for a second crowd-thrilling embrace.

‘Let’s give them another one. l love you. One more kiss, one more kiss, okay,’ he said. After the final kiss he gently mocked the enthusiasm of the cheering hordes, saying: ‘Come on! Come on! More! More! More!’

Unamused: Infamous joker Harry provokes a grimace from Pippa

Charmed: Prince Philip has more success with the head bridesmaid


Further along the balcony, Prince Charles jokingly asked the father of the bride Mike Middleton: ‘Can you see from here?’ Charles was also more tactile than usual, as he lifted up his wife’s young granddaughter Eliza Lopes so she could get a better view.

Throughout the balcony scene, William and Kate were understandably oblivious to the family bonding going on around them. The moment she stepped out in front of the crowd, Kate exclaimed ‘wow’ and looked in awe at the thousands of flag wavers who will one day be her subjects.

In-laws on parade: A beaming Mike and Carole Middleton beside Charles, perhaps tiring of holding Eliza, and Camilla

Unable to resist a backward glance, Kate leaves the balcony with her proud husband beside Charles, perhaps tiring of holding Eliza, and Camilla


source:dailymail

The moment the world held its breath as William struggled to get the ring on Kate's finger

By Andy Milne


Tense moment: Prince William puts the ring on Kate, Duchess of Cambridge's finger during their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey


It was the moment two billion people held their breath.

As William put the ring on his bride's finger in Westminster Abbey, for just a second, it looked like it wouldn't fit.

But the prince managed to stay cool in a tight spot, no doubt helped by his time at Sandhurst, and struggled the simple gold band into place.

It was the only tense moment of a spectacular fairytale ceremony inside Westminster Abbey.

Struggle: William had to apply a considerable amount of pressure to get the ring into place. But he stayed cool and eventually got the simple band into place

The future king and his bride, who will now one day be queen, pledged their love for one another in the ancient surroundings, watched by two billion across the globe.

The Rolls-Royce carrying the bride arrived Westminster Abbey at 11am as the church bells rang out.

When her father took her left hand they began their procession along the red carpet that started outside the ancient building and led inside, with her sister Pippa carrying her train.

The Dean of Westminster greeted the bride and her father and the pair paused as final adjustments were made to the dress before the procession began.

As her young bridesmaids and pageboys assembled behind her in the nave, beneath the impressive 18th-century stained glass West Window, Miss Middleton was able to take in the abbey's shimmering Waterford crystal chandeliers and vast gothic arches above her.

Arrival: Prince William and his best man Britain's Prince Harry arrive at Westminster Abbey

Here come the relatives: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, left arrived after Carole Middleton, right, who chose a sky blue outfit

More royalty: Zara Philips chose a grey outfit with a striking slanted hat, while Prince Edward arrived in military uniform

Proud moment: The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall wave as their car makes its way to the Abbey

Here to see her son: The Queen greets The Right Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster at the Abbey

Royal arrival: Prince Charles and Camilla arrive at Westminster Abbey followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Senior politicians are sitting in the stalls behind the choir

Her big moment: Kate Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton at the West Door of Westminster Abbey

Soaking it all up: Philippa Middleton looks after the junior bridesmaids as Kate waves to the crowds outside the Abbey

Time to go inside: Philippa Middleton gathers the bridesmaids and page boys and takes them into the church

Here we go: Kate Middleton heads inside with her father Michael as her sister Pippa holds her dress

A fairytale begins: The Dean of Westminster greats the bride, left, and she walks through the avenue of trees with her father Michael

Nerves jangling: The bride walks through the avenue of trees as she enters the Abbey

Here comes the bride: Kate Middleton is led by her father along the aisle at Westminster Abbey as senior politicians including Ed Miliband, the Prime Minister and William Hague look on

Cavernous ceilings: Kate walked up the aisle to the sound of coronation anthem Parry's I Was Glad

Ceremony begins: The first hymn sung was Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, which was the last sung at Princess Diana's funeral


On her father's arm, Kate walked up the aisle as a commoner to the sounds of the coronation anthem, Parry's 'I Was Glad'.

When they arrived at the altar Prince William apparently cracked a joke to his father-in-law, according to a lip-reader, saying: 'We're supposed to have just a small family affair.'

Moments earlier, William's best man Prince Harry apparently told his brother: 'Right she is here now.'

As her groom waited, Kate moved along the red carpet, around the south side of the poppy-lined Grave of the Unknown Warrior - the only gravestone in the abbey over which it is not permitted to walk.

Behind her was her maid of honour and sister charmingly holding hands with the youngest of the bridesmaids Eliza Lopes and Grace van Cutsem - both just three-years-old.

Knelt in prayer: The bride and groom were married by the Archbishop of Canterbury

Brothers and sisters: Best man Prince Harry and chief bridesmaid Phillipa Middelton follow the husband and wife out the Abbey to a crowd of adoring royal fans


They were followed by Lady Louise Windsor and the Hon Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and then the page boys Tom Pettifer and Billy Lowther-Pinkerton.

Walking through the 'avenue of trees', Kate processed past delighted guests seated facing inwards in the nave before moving through the intricate golden quire screen, on top of which sit the orchestra, and into the quire.

In the Victorian gothic wooden stalls lined with red lamps, sat Prime Minister David Cameron and other senior politicians and high commissioners, as well as the two choirs and their schoolboy choristers.

Here, Miss Middleton made her way to the Lantern, where she finally met William, resplendent in his dashing red Irish Guards uniform, at the Sacrarium steps.

In the south transept stood William's grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, his father the Prince of Wales and stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall, and other members of the Royal Family.

In the north transept were the Middletons and many of William and Kate's close friends.

Husband and wife: The royal couple leave the Abbey after the ceremony. Kate's dress was designed by Sarah Burton. William wears his ceremonial Iriah Guards uniform

You look beautiful: Kate Middleton and Prince William hold hands as the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams conducts the service


The first hymn, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, rose high into the nave as the choirs of the abbey and Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's, led the congregation in singing.

Dean of Westminster Dr John Hall began the service with the famous words: 'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony...'

The cleric went on to utter the immortal lines: '...if any man can shew any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.'

Before beginning the marriage ceremony, the Archbishop asked the couple if there was any reason why they could not wed.

He said to the bride and groom: '...if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it.'

The only two acceptable reasons would be if couple were too closely related or if either were already married.

William spoke in public for the first time today when he replied 'I will' in a clear and strong voice to the Archbishop of Canterbury's question about whether he would 'love, comfort, honour and keep' Kate.

His bride spoke more softly when she said 'I will' in response to the same question.

Kate looked nervous and at several points appeared slightly choked with emotion as she repeated her vows in front of the large congregation.

In his address, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, read a prayer penned by William and Kate.

Fairytale ceremony: Prince William and the new Duchess of Cambridge leave the Abbey

Honour guard: Soldiers, sailor and airmen follow the royal couple away from the Abbey

The fairytale continues: Guests awaiting the arrival of the bride at the beginning of the ceremony


The newlyweds asked for spiritual help to maintain focus on the things that mattered, and to be "generous" with their "time and love and energy".

They also called on God to help them 'serve and comfort those who suffer' - a declaration of intent for their new life together.

The bishop, who has close links to the groom and his family, told the congregation: "I pray that everyone present and the many millions watching this ceremony and sharing in your joy today will do everything in their power to support and uphold you in your new life.

'I pray that God will bless you in the way of life you have chosen, a way which is expressed in the prayer that you have written together in preparation for this day.

'God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage.

'In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

'Strengthened by our union, help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen'."

The couple and their immediate family enjoyed their only private moment of the service when they retired to the abbey's holiest area to sign the registers.

The bride and groom were joined by Charles and Camilla, Michael and Carole Middleton, best man Harry and Kate's brother James and sister Pippa in the tiny enclosed Chapel of St Edward the Confessor behind the altar.

After a few minutes the newlyweds were left on their own for a period with just Harry and Pippa.

When they emerged, the couple approached the Queen and paused to pay their respects to the monarch.

Kate gave a low curtsy - the first time she has formally acknowledged the sovereign in public - while William nodded to his grandmother.

A special fanfare entitled Valiant And Brave - after the motto of the Prince's RAF Search and Rescue No 22 Squadron - was played.

The 30-second newly commissioned celebration was sounded by seven trumpeters and one drummer from the Central Band of the RAF.

The bride and groom then processed down the nave with Harry and Pippa behind them arm in arm, moving on to the adoring crowds outside.









source:dailymail