Here Comes The Bride

What began at the University of St.Andrews was sealed with a balcony kiss yesterday. It took just over an hour but shortly after midday the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – and future king and queen – emerged from Westminster Abbey.

The couple emerged to the cheers of thousands of wellwishers and waved to crowds before stepping into the open-topped 1902 State Landau to make their way to Buckingham Palace.

A guard of honour made up of forces personnel lined the route out of the Abbey as William and Kate emerged.

And hundreds of thousands of people lined the couple’s mile-and-a-half route which passed through The Mall, Whitehall and Parliament Square. Not to forget the viewers all around the globe.

The new royal couple were to travel in the same horse-drawn carriage used by Charles and Diana on their wedding day 30 years earlier.The world got their first look at Kate’s dress as she made the nine-minute journey from the Goring Hotel to Westminster Abbey. She beamed with delight for the enthusiastic crowds.

As many had predicted, Kate had her hair down and wore a tiara. Completely coming out of the shadow of the standards set during Lady Diana's wedding to Prince Charles.

After the three-and-a-half minute walk down the aisle, it looked like it had all been worth it as Prince William was seemed to say “you look beautiful” as he turned to look at her for the first time. William, 28, and his brother Prince Harry, 26, who is his best man, arrived at the historic 1000-year-old church at 10.15am. 

The groom looked resplendent in red, wearing the famous scarlet tunic of an Irish Guards officer, rather than an Air Force uniform. The Queen wore a primrose dress with matching hat. While Kate’s mother Carole chose a sky blue silk dress. Huge cheers and applause erupted from the crowd as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were driven from their official residence at Clarence House to the Abbey. Charles wore his most formal military uniform, his blue Royal Navy ceremonial dress. Camilla looked elegant in a timeless Anna Valentine champagne silk dress. Tension and excitement had been mounting throughout the morning as guests filled the Abbey from 8.15am. Friend happily greeted friend as if this was Royal Ascot or Wimbledon rather than the ancient Abbey.

Thus, she may not have any blue blood, but Kate Middleton's fairy-tale wedding once again ushered in a new era for the usually conservative royalty. Three decades back, a princess-y 20-something Diana walked down the aisle to her Prince Charming and she won hearts instantly. Kate brings in a fresh whiff of youth to the royal family, just like the People's Princess had.

Here Comes The Bride