Couple will travel from Abbey to the Palace in an open-topped carriage
Two BILLION people watch couple tie the knot
5,000 royals enthusiasts camped out overnight at the Mall
One million well-wishers line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple
After months of waiting, Kate Middleton and Prince William today tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
Wearing a flowing wedding dress with a long train and lace sleeves, Kate clutched a bunch of white flowers as she embarked on the short drive to Westminster Abbey, before starting her three-minute walk up the aisle to be with her groom.
As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate's finger.
Newly wed: Prince William and his new wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, wave as they travel in the 1902 State Landau carriage along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace
'You look beautiful': Prince William speaks to his bride Kate as she holds her father's hand at the altar
Newly-wed: Prince William Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge leave Westminster Abbey with her sister Pippa supporting her dress
Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange rings in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury during the ceremony
Kate Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton to join Prince William and his best man Harry at the altar
Thousands of people wave Union Jacks as the couple are taken to Westminster Abbey in their open-topped carriage. An estimated one million people lined the streets
Prince William and Kate Middleton sit down during the service after he put the wedding band on her finger
William appeared to have a moment of difficulty in slipping the ring onto Kate's finger... But the ceremony went without a hitch
But to the relief of all, he finally slipped the wedding band on and the ceremony passed without a hitch.
A staggering one million people had packed the streets of London to witness one of the most anticipated weddings the world has ever seen.
Well-wishers waved flags and many shed tears as William and his beautiful bride exchanged their vows.
In his address, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, read a prayer penned by William and Kate.
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'.
William and his wife Kate wave to onlookers as they leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding
Kate Middleton and her father, Michael, travel in a Rolls Royce to Westminster Abbey
Kate Middleton waves as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton to the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding
Brilliant in white: Kate Middleton is taken up the aisle by her proud father Michael
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.'
At the end of the service the congregation sang the National Anthem, with Kate's father in particular belting out the words with great vigour.
The Queen, who was the only person in the abbey not singing, kept her emotions to herself.
The newly-married couple then went off with their witnesses to sign the historic marriage registers away from public view in the tiny enclosed Chapel of St Edward the Confessor behind the altar.
He's here: Prince William, left, arrives at Westminster Abbey next to his proud younger brother and best man Harry with two billion people watching
First glimpse: Prince William gets out of his Bentley and walks into the Abbey - and waits for Kate
Proud father: Prince Charles arrives with William's stepmother Camilla
Showbiz royalty: David Beckham, wearing his OBE on his lapel, centre, and his wife Victoria arrive at the west door of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for the 11am ceremony
THE COMMONER BECOMES A DUCHESS ON HER WEDDING DAY
The Queen has made William the Duke of Cambridge to mark his wedding day and Kate Middleton a Duchess, Buckingham Palace announced.
William also became the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, which means Kate will become the Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.
As well as a duchess, Miss Middleton is also technically Princess William of Wales.
According to protocol, she is not officially Princess Catherine as she was not born a princess in her own right.
Instead she adopts her husband's first name, in the same way as Princess Michael of Kent, who married the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent.
All titles are in the gift of the Queen and it was up to the monarch to choose which one to bestow on her grandson and his new wife.
But William's thoughts will also have been taken into account by the royal matriarch in a private discussion between the Prince and his grandmother.
Tradition dictates that royal men receive a title on their wedding - and often more than one.
The festivities started at around 8.15am when the first guests - including royal figures, leading politicians and top names from the showbiz world - made their way to the Abbey for the wedding of the century.
At 10.10am Prince William and his brother Harry left Clarence House, both in full military uniform for the short drive. He was later followed by his bride who had successfully managed to keep her wedding dress a secret from the world.
Kate Middleton today left behind her commoner roots to become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge after marrying Prince William.
The royal couple officially became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after tying the knot. Prince William has also become the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.
David and Victoria Beckham, Guy Ritchie and Chelsy Davy were among the 1,900 guests in Westminster Abbey this morning.
There were squeals of joy from the crowd when Beckham waved to the crowd as he arrived. He was wearing a Ralph Lauren morning suit with the OBE he received in 2003 pinned to the right lapel, with his hair slicked back.
His wife, who is pregnant with their fourth child, wore a dark blue dress she designed herself accessorised with a hat by celebrated milliner Philip Treacy.
William's close Eton friend Harry Meade was seen queuing to get into the abbey, as guests waited to take their seats.
Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster, adorned with trees, as the congregation sing
Prince Charles and Camilla followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip walk down the red carpet at Westminster Abbey
Cameras click as Kate Middleton arrives and walks into Westminster Abbey
Kate walks up the aisle, holding her father's hand, with Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton supporting her dress, left. Right, a smiling Kate waves to the crowds outside the Abbey
Royal arrivals: Princess Eugenie, blue dress, and Princess Beatrice arrive at Westminster Abbey (right) while Prince Charles and Camilla smile as they walk in for William's wedding
Celebration: Royals fans in Hyde Park watched the wedding on a big screen
On The Mall crowds waved flags and cheered when the Band of the Coldstream Guards marched down toward the Duke of York Steps.
Playing hits such as Barry Manilow's Copacabana, the 44-member band got spectators moving their feet.
The band was directed by Lieutenant Colonel Graham Jones alongside Drum Major Scott Fitzgerald. The historic band has been in existence for more than 200 years.
Wedding guests: Chelsy Davy, wearing a green outfit, leaves her home to head to the Royal Wedding, left, and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson walks into Westminster Abbey, right
Pippa Middleton arrives with the bridesmaids and pageboys ahead of the wedding
They came in their thousands: Royal fans lining the route cheer as guests arrive before the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton
Bridesmaids and page boys: Tom Pettifer laughs as he arrives with Master William Lowther-Pinkerton, Lady Louise Windsor and Margarita Armstrong-Jones
The Queen and Prince Philip take their seats
The day is here: A military band perform as they march on the Mall this morning hours before William and Kate marry at Westminster Abbey
Pippa Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey with three bridesmaids and two page boys
The nation's grandmother: The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding
Waiting time: Prince William and his brother Harry walk into the Abbey to wait for the commoner bride Kate Middleton to arrive
Proudest moment: Kate's mother Carole Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey after a last minute change of outfit
Samantha Cameron, centre, wearing a figure-hugging green outfit stands next to her husband Prime Minister David Cameron, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, right
Wedding greetings: Prince William and his best man brother arrive at the Abbey
After weeks of rehearsals, the ceremonial guards perform prior to the Royal Wedding today
Earl Spencer talks to guests inside Westminster Abbey where guests were mingling ahead of the 11am ceremony
Guests arrive: There was almost a party atmosphere inside Westminster Abbey as guests mingled before Kate arrives later
The couple passed the cheering crowds in The Mall after their wedding ceremony in a 1902 State Landau that was used by Charles and Diana 30 years ago.
Bridesmaids Lady Louise Windsor, seven, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones, eight, arrived five minutes later, accompanied by pageboy Tom Pettifer, eight, were among the first to arrive at the Abbey.
Last night, wearing a polka-dot dress, the bride-to-be, accompanied by her sister Pippa and mother Carole, waved to the huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia last night as she enjoyed her last night as a single lady.
5,000 people camped out along the Mall hoping to get a good sight of the couple when they pass in the open topped vehicle later this morning.
More...
Keep it under your hat, but this could be wedding dress designer: Mystery woman dodges into Kate's hotel
The skateboarding, punk-loving boy from Harlem, New York, who will protect the Queen at the Royal Wedding
Let the rip-offs begin: Meet the designer in a royal rush to copy Kate Middleton's wedding gown
Beatrice is the star of royal red carpet in white tulle and sequins at the Queen's pre-wedding gala dinner
Kate arrives to cheers from thousands camped outside Abbey for final rehearsal as order of service reveals she WON'T 'obey' Wills
Police swoop on squatters 'planning to disrupt Royal Wedding' as central London is locked down
Pride of Britain! The two Princes don full military uniforms for the big day
Here comes the groom: William goes on a final walkabout as a single man as he greets fans on the eve of his wedding
The little ones with big roles to rehearse
When to see that dress and where to watch that kiss
Highest rank for Wills the Duke, as Kate becomes his Duchess
With showers forecast for the wedding day there had been fears an enclosed carriage would be used. But the decision meant tens of thousands of spectators were able to get a good view of the couple.
If it had been raining the couple would have travelled along the one-and-a-half mile route to the palace in a Glass Coach.
Prince Harry, William's best man, and Pippa Middleton, Kate's sister and maid of honour, followed to the Palace in two separate Ascot Landau carriages with the young bridesmaids and page boys.
Princes William and Harry arrive in Westminster Abbey for the wedding
Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam, wearing a dazzling polka-dot dress, arrive at Westminster Abbey, right. Inside, left, some guests mingle
Early start: Spectators line the route the royal carriage will take from Westminster Abbey to the Palace later. There will be 1,900 guests at the ceremony
Here come the guests: The first of the 1,900 people with invitations to the service arrive. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown will not be there
The second procession was the Sovereign's Escort mounted by four squadrons from the Household Cavalry.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled in a semi-state Landau as will Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who will be joined by Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton.
The horses leading the coaches were Cleveland Bays, the only British breed of carriage horse, but for the Queen and the newlyweds Windsor greys were used - traditionally reserved for the monarch.
Last night a beaming Kate showed no sign of nerves ahead of her marriage today to Prince William.
Prince William, centre, and his brother, are greeted by Receiver General Stephen Lamport. They walk up the aisle together where they wait for Kate
And royal fans had an extra treat last night as her husband-to-be greeted well-wishers along The Mall.
Prince William, accompanied by his brother Harry, shook hands and chatted with the crowd near Clarence House.
Yesterday morning, Kate was greeted by cheers at the abbey as she was joined by best man Prince Harry - as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family - for one last run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2 billion people round the globe.
Later on, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and those camping out ahead of today’s event during an impromptu walkabout.
Huge support: Royal supporters wait along the processional route hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple as they make their way to the Abbe
First people arrive: The 1,900 wedding guests are arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service scheduled for 11am
A BRITISH FEEL TO THE CEREMONY
The bride will walk up the aisle to the dramatic sounds of a coronation anthem - the soaring choral masterpiece 'I was glad' by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.
It was composed for the crowning of Prince William's great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902, but is also popular at weddings.
As the choir begins to sing, the bride will begin her three and a half minute procession through the Nave and Quire to meet her Prince on her father's arm.
The newlyweds will leave the Abbey to the sounds of the well-known rousing orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton, which was also played at Charles and Diana's wedding.
The three hymns - 'Guide me, O thou great Redeemer', 'Love divine, all loves excelling' and Jerusalem which begins 'And did those feet in ancient time' - are all favourites of the couple.
When asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day, the duchess said: 'We’re all ready for tomorrow - it’s wonderful and all very exciting!
'There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.'
The journalist who carried out the couple's engagement interview said they were attempting to 'block out the terror of having two billion people' watching them.
In a personal message to well-wishers, the couple said they were 'incredibly moved' by the affection shown to them since their engagement in the official wedding programme.
Normally it falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury to write the introductory message, but the couple broke with tradition.
A St James's Palace spokesman said: 'The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.'
Following in the footsteps of Diana, Miss Middleton did not promise to 'obey' Prince William in her vows.
With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will said 'With this ring I thee wed' as he places the golden band on Kate's finger.
David and Victoria Beckham talk to Guy Ritchie inside Westminster Abbey as they wait for William and Kate to arrive
There was one Lesson during the ceremony read by Miss Middleton's younger brother James.
William's father the Prince of Wales his stepmother Camilla, Kate's parents Carole and Michael and her sister Pippa all acted as witnesses and sign the marriage registers during the ceremony.
After a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace, the Queen will leave - and miss Harry's best man speech and the evening party.
She will head out of the capital with the Duke of Edinburgh for a private weekend, leaving the newlyweds to party the night away at a black tie evening reception with their friends.
Arrivals: His wife Sally towering above him in her high heels, House of Commons speaker John Bercow arrives at Westminster Abbey, right. left, Ben Fogle and Marina Fogle
Family arrive: Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith leaves his west London home in a £280,000 Rolls Royce Phantom convertible, left, and Miss Middleton's brother James leaves the Goring hotel, right
Security operation: A man is restrained by police officers outside Westminster Abbey this morning as a huge ring of steel is thrown up around the capital
Waiting is over: Union Flags in The Mall this morning ready for the newly-married William and Kate to marry later
Tent city: 5,000 people slept on The Mall to guarantee the best spots along the wedding route, including this man curled up in his sleeping bag
Buckingham Palace said the Queen would hear a number of speeches at the lunchtime canapes reception for 650 guests, including family, friends, foreign royals, dignitaries and charity workers.
She will see the bride and groom cutting their lavish multi-tiered wedding cake.
As final preparations get underway, rain had been threatening to put a dampener on the big day. However, it stayed dry throughout - despite being grey and overcast.
5,000 royals enthusiasts camped out overnight at the Mall
One million well-wishers line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple
After months of waiting, Kate Middleton and Prince William today tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
Wearing a flowing wedding dress with a long train and lace sleeves, Kate clutched a bunch of white flowers as she embarked on the short drive to Westminster Abbey, before starting her three-minute walk up the aisle to be with her groom.
As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate's finger.
Newly wed: Prince William and his new wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, wave as they travel in the 1902 State Landau carriage along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace
'You look beautiful': Prince William speaks to his bride Kate as she holds her father's hand at the altar
Newly-wed: Prince William Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge leave Westminster Abbey with her sister Pippa supporting her dress
Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange rings in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury during the ceremony
Kate Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton to join Prince William and his best man Harry at the altar
Thousands of people wave Union Jacks as the couple are taken to Westminster Abbey in their open-topped carriage. An estimated one million people lined the streets
Prince William and Kate Middleton sit down during the service after he put the wedding band on her finger
William appeared to have a moment of difficulty in slipping the ring onto Kate's finger... But the ceremony went without a hitch
But to the relief of all, he finally slipped the wedding band on and the ceremony passed without a hitch.
A staggering one million people had packed the streets of London to witness one of the most anticipated weddings the world has ever seen.
Well-wishers waved flags and many shed tears as William and his beautiful bride exchanged their vows.
In his address, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, read a prayer penned by William and Kate.
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'.
William and his wife Kate wave to onlookers as they leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding
Kate Middleton and her father, Michael, travel in a Rolls Royce to Westminster Abbey
Kate Middleton waves as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton to the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding
Brilliant in white: Kate Middleton is taken up the aisle by her proud father Michael
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.'
At the end of the service the congregation sang the National Anthem, with Kate's father in particular belting out the words with great vigour.
The Queen, who was the only person in the abbey not singing, kept her emotions to herself.
The newly-married couple then went off with their witnesses to sign the historic marriage registers away from public view in the tiny enclosed Chapel of St Edward the Confessor behind the altar.
He's here: Prince William, left, arrives at Westminster Abbey next to his proud younger brother and best man Harry with two billion people watching
First glimpse: Prince William gets out of his Bentley and walks into the Abbey - and waits for Kate
Proud father: Prince Charles arrives with William's stepmother Camilla
Showbiz royalty: David Beckham, wearing his OBE on his lapel, centre, and his wife Victoria arrive at the west door of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for the 11am ceremony
THE COMMONER BECOMES A DUCHESS ON HER WEDDING DAY
The Queen has made William the Duke of Cambridge to mark his wedding day and Kate Middleton a Duchess, Buckingham Palace announced.
William also became the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, which means Kate will become the Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.
As well as a duchess, Miss Middleton is also technically Princess William of Wales.
According to protocol, she is not officially Princess Catherine as she was not born a princess in her own right.
Instead she adopts her husband's first name, in the same way as Princess Michael of Kent, who married the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent.
All titles are in the gift of the Queen and it was up to the monarch to choose which one to bestow on her grandson and his new wife.
But William's thoughts will also have been taken into account by the royal matriarch in a private discussion between the Prince and his grandmother.
Tradition dictates that royal men receive a title on their wedding - and often more than one.
The festivities started at around 8.15am when the first guests - including royal figures, leading politicians and top names from the showbiz world - made their way to the Abbey for the wedding of the century.
At 10.10am Prince William and his brother Harry left Clarence House, both in full military uniform for the short drive. He was later followed by his bride who had successfully managed to keep her wedding dress a secret from the world.
Kate Middleton today left behind her commoner roots to become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge after marrying Prince William.
The royal couple officially became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after tying the knot. Prince William has also become the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.
David and Victoria Beckham, Guy Ritchie and Chelsy Davy were among the 1,900 guests in Westminster Abbey this morning.
There were squeals of joy from the crowd when Beckham waved to the crowd as he arrived. He was wearing a Ralph Lauren morning suit with the OBE he received in 2003 pinned to the right lapel, with his hair slicked back.
His wife, who is pregnant with their fourth child, wore a dark blue dress she designed herself accessorised with a hat by celebrated milliner Philip Treacy.
William's close Eton friend Harry Meade was seen queuing to get into the abbey, as guests waited to take their seats.
Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster, adorned with trees, as the congregation sing
Prince Charles and Camilla followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip walk down the red carpet at Westminster Abbey
Cameras click as Kate Middleton arrives and walks into Westminster Abbey
Kate walks up the aisle, holding her father's hand, with Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton supporting her dress, left. Right, a smiling Kate waves to the crowds outside the Abbey
Royal arrivals: Princess Eugenie, blue dress, and Princess Beatrice arrive at Westminster Abbey (right) while Prince Charles and Camilla smile as they walk in for William's wedding
Celebration: Royals fans in Hyde Park watched the wedding on a big screen
On The Mall crowds waved flags and cheered when the Band of the Coldstream Guards marched down toward the Duke of York Steps.
Playing hits such as Barry Manilow's Copacabana, the 44-member band got spectators moving their feet.
The band was directed by Lieutenant Colonel Graham Jones alongside Drum Major Scott Fitzgerald. The historic band has been in existence for more than 200 years.
Wedding guests: Chelsy Davy, wearing a green outfit, leaves her home to head to the Royal Wedding, left, and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson walks into Westminster Abbey, right
Pippa Middleton arrives with the bridesmaids and pageboys ahead of the wedding
They came in their thousands: Royal fans lining the route cheer as guests arrive before the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton
Bridesmaids and page boys: Tom Pettifer laughs as he arrives with Master William Lowther-Pinkerton, Lady Louise Windsor and Margarita Armstrong-Jones
The Queen and Prince Philip take their seats
The day is here: A military band perform as they march on the Mall this morning hours before William and Kate marry at Westminster Abbey
Pippa Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey with three bridesmaids and two page boys
The nation's grandmother: The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding
Waiting time: Prince William and his brother Harry walk into the Abbey to wait for the commoner bride Kate Middleton to arrive
Proudest moment: Kate's mother Carole Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey after a last minute change of outfit
Samantha Cameron, centre, wearing a figure-hugging green outfit stands next to her husband Prime Minister David Cameron, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, right
Wedding greetings: Prince William and his best man brother arrive at the Abbey
After weeks of rehearsals, the ceremonial guards perform prior to the Royal Wedding today
Earl Spencer talks to guests inside Westminster Abbey where guests were mingling ahead of the 11am ceremony
Guests arrive: There was almost a party atmosphere inside Westminster Abbey as guests mingled before Kate arrives later
The couple passed the cheering crowds in The Mall after their wedding ceremony in a 1902 State Landau that was used by Charles and Diana 30 years ago.
Bridesmaids Lady Louise Windsor, seven, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones, eight, arrived five minutes later, accompanied by pageboy Tom Pettifer, eight, were among the first to arrive at the Abbey.
Last night, wearing a polka-dot dress, the bride-to-be, accompanied by her sister Pippa and mother Carole, waved to the huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia last night as she enjoyed her last night as a single lady.
5,000 people camped out along the Mall hoping to get a good sight of the couple when they pass in the open topped vehicle later this morning.
More...
Keep it under your hat, but this could be wedding dress designer: Mystery woman dodges into Kate's hotel
The skateboarding, punk-loving boy from Harlem, New York, who will protect the Queen at the Royal Wedding
Let the rip-offs begin: Meet the designer in a royal rush to copy Kate Middleton's wedding gown
Beatrice is the star of royal red carpet in white tulle and sequins at the Queen's pre-wedding gala dinner
Kate arrives to cheers from thousands camped outside Abbey for final rehearsal as order of service reveals she WON'T 'obey' Wills
Police swoop on squatters 'planning to disrupt Royal Wedding' as central London is locked down
Pride of Britain! The two Princes don full military uniforms for the big day
Here comes the groom: William goes on a final walkabout as a single man as he greets fans on the eve of his wedding
The little ones with big roles to rehearse
When to see that dress and where to watch that kiss
Highest rank for Wills the Duke, as Kate becomes his Duchess
With showers forecast for the wedding day there had been fears an enclosed carriage would be used. But the decision meant tens of thousands of spectators were able to get a good view of the couple.
If it had been raining the couple would have travelled along the one-and-a-half mile route to the palace in a Glass Coach.
Prince Harry, William's best man, and Pippa Middleton, Kate's sister and maid of honour, followed to the Palace in two separate Ascot Landau carriages with the young bridesmaids and page boys.
Princes William and Harry arrive in Westminster Abbey for the wedding
Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam, wearing a dazzling polka-dot dress, arrive at Westminster Abbey, right. Inside, left, some guests mingle
Early start: Spectators line the route the royal carriage will take from Westminster Abbey to the Palace later. There will be 1,900 guests at the ceremony
Here come the guests: The first of the 1,900 people with invitations to the service arrive. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown will not be there
The second procession was the Sovereign's Escort mounted by four squadrons from the Household Cavalry.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled in a semi-state Landau as will Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who will be joined by Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton.
The horses leading the coaches were Cleveland Bays, the only British breed of carriage horse, but for the Queen and the newlyweds Windsor greys were used - traditionally reserved for the monarch.
Last night a beaming Kate showed no sign of nerves ahead of her marriage today to Prince William.
Prince William, centre, and his brother, are greeted by Receiver General Stephen Lamport. They walk up the aisle together where they wait for Kate
And royal fans had an extra treat last night as her husband-to-be greeted well-wishers along The Mall.
Prince William, accompanied by his brother Harry, shook hands and chatted with the crowd near Clarence House.
Yesterday morning, Kate was greeted by cheers at the abbey as she was joined by best man Prince Harry - as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family - for one last run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2 billion people round the globe.
Later on, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and those camping out ahead of today’s event during an impromptu walkabout.
Huge support: Royal supporters wait along the processional route hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple as they make their way to the Abbe
First people arrive: The 1,900 wedding guests are arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service scheduled for 11am
A BRITISH FEEL TO THE CEREMONY
The bride will walk up the aisle to the dramatic sounds of a coronation anthem - the soaring choral masterpiece 'I was glad' by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.
It was composed for the crowning of Prince William's great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902, but is also popular at weddings.
As the choir begins to sing, the bride will begin her three and a half minute procession through the Nave and Quire to meet her Prince on her father's arm.
The newlyweds will leave the Abbey to the sounds of the well-known rousing orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton, which was also played at Charles and Diana's wedding.
The three hymns - 'Guide me, O thou great Redeemer', 'Love divine, all loves excelling' and Jerusalem which begins 'And did those feet in ancient time' - are all favourites of the couple.
When asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day, the duchess said: 'We’re all ready for tomorrow - it’s wonderful and all very exciting!
'There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.'
The journalist who carried out the couple's engagement interview said they were attempting to 'block out the terror of having two billion people' watching them.
In a personal message to well-wishers, the couple said they were 'incredibly moved' by the affection shown to them since their engagement in the official wedding programme.
Normally it falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury to write the introductory message, but the couple broke with tradition.
A St James's Palace spokesman said: 'The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.'
Following in the footsteps of Diana, Miss Middleton did not promise to 'obey' Prince William in her vows.
With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will said 'With this ring I thee wed' as he places the golden band on Kate's finger.
David and Victoria Beckham talk to Guy Ritchie inside Westminster Abbey as they wait for William and Kate to arrive
There was one Lesson during the ceremony read by Miss Middleton's younger brother James.
William's father the Prince of Wales his stepmother Camilla, Kate's parents Carole and Michael and her sister Pippa all acted as witnesses and sign the marriage registers during the ceremony.
After a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace, the Queen will leave - and miss Harry's best man speech and the evening party.
She will head out of the capital with the Duke of Edinburgh for a private weekend, leaving the newlyweds to party the night away at a black tie evening reception with their friends.
Arrivals: His wife Sally towering above him in her high heels, House of Commons speaker John Bercow arrives at Westminster Abbey, right. left, Ben Fogle and Marina Fogle
Family arrive: Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith leaves his west London home in a £280,000 Rolls Royce Phantom convertible, left, and Miss Middleton's brother James leaves the Goring hotel, right
Security operation: A man is restrained by police officers outside Westminster Abbey this morning as a huge ring of steel is thrown up around the capital
Waiting is over: Union Flags in The Mall this morning ready for the newly-married William and Kate to marry later
Tent city: 5,000 people slept on The Mall to guarantee the best spots along the wedding route, including this man curled up in his sleeping bag
Buckingham Palace said the Queen would hear a number of speeches at the lunchtime canapes reception for 650 guests, including family, friends, foreign royals, dignitaries and charity workers.
She will see the bride and groom cutting their lavish multi-tiered wedding cake.
As final preparations get underway, rain had been threatening to put a dampener on the big day. However, it stayed dry throughout - despite being grey and overcast.
No comments:
Post a Comment