By Rob Cooper
Last updated at 8:48 PM on 29th April 2011
- Kate said 'I am glad the weather held off, we had a great day
- William tells Kate 'You look beautiful' as she arrives at the altar
- He jokes with Kate's father 'we're supposed to have just a small family affair'
- Two BILLION people watch couple tie the knot
- 5,000 royals enthusiasts camped out overnight at The Mall
- Prince struggles to get ring on Kate's finger
- One million well-wishers line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple
- Prince William takes the title Duke of Cambridge and Kate becomes Duchess
Aftera kiss that thrilled the nation, Prince William drove full throttle into the nation's affections as he took his new wife on an unexpected drive to Clarence House.
They left their Buckingham Palace reception in Prince Charles's open-top Aston Martin with 'Just wed' on the number plate.
Itwas the fitting climax to what had already been a remarkable day - and it was the common touch his mother Diana would have been proud of.
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Prince William emerges from Buckingham Palace inhis father's dark blue Aston Martin as the crowd roars. The number plate on the rear said 'Just Wed'
Unexpected: William motors around Buckingham Palace with his new wife in his father's 41-year-old Aston Martin which Charles was given as a gift for his 21st birthday party
Happy couple: The Aston Martin Volante is decorated with balloons and a 'Just Wed' registration plate, as William and Catherine emerge in the soft-top vehicle
Double kiss: The newly-married couple share their first public kiss on the balcony as thousands of screaming well-wishers watch
Police officers stand in front of royal supporters on The Mall in London, along the Processional Route by the Palace moments before William and Kate emerged to share a kiss
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
As the crowds roared, the couple emerged in the 41-year-old classic car with a yellow RAF rescue helicopter flying overhead.
The vehicle had been given to Charlesas a gift when he turned 21. The couple drove round the front of the Palace before returning to the private reception.
They emerged from the Palace two hours after stepping out on the balcony and marked their marriage with their first public kiss.
But the first public embrace of William and his bride Catherine was so fleeting that you would have missed it if you had blinked.
PrinceWilliam greets Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her partnerTim Mathieson at Buckingham Palace in London after his wedding to Catherine
STATS OF THE DAY: KATE AND WILLIAM'S FAIRYTALE WEDDING
- Prince Charles' bioethanol 41-year-old Aston Martin runs entirely on wine. It was converted in 2008
- The cake contained 17 different types of flower made from sugar paste, each one picked by Kate for their meaning or symbolism
- The cake had 900 sugar paste flowers in total
- An estimated one million people lined the streets - and two billion were watching around the globe
- 10,000 canapes were prepared by 21 chefs for the Buckingham Palace reception
- Wedding mentioned 268,777 times on Facebook during the ceremony
- More than 5,000 police officers were on duty to ensure event ran like clockwork
- 1902state Landau that carried William and Catherine to Buckingham Palace for the reception was used by Charles and Diana on their wedding day 30 years ago
- 10,000 people were crammed into Trafalgar Square to watch the ceremony on a big screen
- More than 1,300 armed forces personnel played a role in the wedding
- Kate Middleton's bridal train measured two metres and 70cm
- Ahuge surge in electricity demand marked the end of television coverage of Kate and William's procession to Buckingham Palace. The 2,400 MW boost as cameras switched back to television studios at 12.40pm was equivalent to nearly one million kettles being boiled at once
- Thetop three surges in demand are: 2,800 MW at the end of the penalty shoot-out for England's World Cup semi-final against West Germany in 1990; 2,600 MW after a 1984 episode of The Thornbirds; and 2,570 MW surge at half-time during England's semi-final match against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup.
Royal reception: The Queen arrives at BuckinghamPalace, left, after the wedding. Right, Kate's engagement and wedding rings on her finger
Kate, who has been given the title The Duchess of Cambridge, meets Governors-General and prime ministers at Buckingham Palace
The loving couple leaned in for a brief, but loving kiss, after which he smiled broadly while she giggled.The crowd in The Mall below, chanting ‘We want Kate, We want Kate’ simply roared with delight.
Then, as an RAF flypast was sweeping towards the palace, William whispered to Kate and leaned forward for a second, slightly more lingering kiss.
This was the fairytale a million people had taken to the streets of London to see today. And they were not disappointed.
Off to Clarence House: Catherine and William drive off from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House
A Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly over Buckingham Palace as William and Kate emerge on the balcony
Salute to their friend: A Sea King helicopter hovers above the Victoria Memorial as Prince William drives his wife in the Aston Martin to Clarence House
Despite predictions that rain would put a dampener on the big day, it stayed dry and the sun even managed to poke its head out.
In a stunning ivory gown with lace applique floral detail designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, Kate walked up the red carpeted aisle a commoner.
At Westminster Abbey’s altar she became a royal.
She 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 tobe with her groom.
Pippa Middleton and Prince Philip share a joke on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the wedding today
A very public kiss: William and Catherine share a special moment on the Buckingham Palace balcony as thousands watch on
The smiling bride: A veiled Kate Middleton and then, later, unveiled. An estimated two billion people tuned in for her wedding
Balcony moment: Prince William and Kate kiss on the balcony at 1.35pm
Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange rings in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury during the ceremony
Bride-to-be Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey this morning for what has been billed as the wedding of the century
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
The Victoria Memorial outside the Palace is filled with well-wishers celebrating the wedding
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, emerge from the church after the wedding ceremony with PrinceHarry and Pippa Middleton in the background
An estimated 10,000 people were packed into Trafalgar Square to watch the ceremony on a giant screen
As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate's finger.
But to the relief of all, he finally pushed on the wedding band on and the ceremony passed without a hitch.
Astaggering 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.
AsKate joined the Prince at the altar, he told she looked 'beautiful'. Wearing the famous red tunic of the Irish Guards, William stared straight ahead as she started her long walk down the red carpeted aisle of Westminster Abbey.
Buckingham Palace: Helped by her new husband, Catherine steps out of the carriage as it arrives at the Palace. Minuteslater they shared their first kiss on the balcony
The happy couple hold hands during the wedding service at Westminster Abbey which was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, centre
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William wave to the vast crowds as they travel to Buckingham Palace in a1902 State Landau
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
Turningto watch the bride approach, William's brother and best man Prince Harry reassured him that all was going smoothly on the big day, telling him 'Right, she is here now'.
As the royal couple stood together for the first time, William told Kate: 'You look beautiful.'
Afterinitially appearing nervous, he smiled broadly and cracked a joke to his father-in-law Michael before the ceremony started, saying 'We're supposed to have just a small family affair', a lipreader claimed.
Thecouple 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.
In his address, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, read a prayer penned by William and Kate.
Thenewlyweds asked for spiritual help to maintain focus on the things thatmattered, and to be 'generous' with their 'time and love and energy'.
Vast crowds gather along The Mall and around theQueen Victoria Memorial as the Royal Air Force perform a fly over as Catherine and William share a kiss on the balcony
The royal carriage glides past the deep crowds after the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey today
William and his wife Kate wave to onlookers as they leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding
Not amused: Kate waves to the crowds from the Buckingham Palace but three-year-old bridesmaid Grace Van Cutsem is not amused by the noise
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
A team put the finishing touches to the cake that was prepared for William and Catherine at Buckingham Palace today
They also called on God to help them 'serve and comfort those who suffer' - a declaration of intent for their new life together.
Thebishop, 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.'
Atthe 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.
Thenewly-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
Mother of the bride: Carole Middleton, mother ofCatherine, Duchess of Cambridge, waves as she travels with Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla to Buckingham Palace after the wedding
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 Royal procession make their way down The Mall to Buckingham Palace after the wedding ceremony
THE COMMONER BECOMES A DUCHESS ON HER WEDDING DAY
TheQueen has made William the Duke of Cambridge to mark his wedding day and Kate Middleton a Duchess, Buckingham Palace announced.
Williamalso became the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, which meansKate 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.
Insteadshe 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.
Alltitles 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.
ButWilliam'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.
At10.10am 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.
KateMiddleton 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
An estimated 10,000 Royal wedding fans crowded into Hyde Park to watch the couple marry on a big screen
Kate walks up the aisle, holding her father's hand, with Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton supporting her dress
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.
Theband was directed by Lieutenant Colonel Graham Jones alongside Drum Major Scott Fitzgerald. The historic band has been in existence for morethan 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 Windsorand Margarita Armstrong-Jones
The Queen and Prince Philip take their seats
The day is here: A military band perform as theymarch 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
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
The couple passed the cheering crowds inThe 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 tothe huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia last night as she enjoyed her last night as a single lady.
5,000people 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.
Withshowers 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 rainingthe 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
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.
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 onelast run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2 billion people round the globe.
Lateron, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishersand 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 Abbey
First people arrive: The 1,900 wedding guests are arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service scheduled for 11am
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.'
Thejournalist 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.
WithWilliam 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.
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.
Shewill 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.
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.
Asfinal 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.
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
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
Explore more:
- People:
- John Bercow,
- Philip Treacy,
- Kate Middleton,
- David Beckham,
- Guy Ritchie,
- Camilla Duchess of Cornwall,
- Chelsy Davy,
- Ben Fogle,
- Diana,
- Nick Clegg,
- Louise Windsor,
- Carole Middleton,
- Gary Goldsmith,
- Victoria Beckham,
- Pippa Middleton,
- Tara Palmer-Tomkinson,
- Sarah Burton
- Places:
- Cambridge,
- Edinburgh,
- London,
- Wales,
- Australia,
- Brazil,
- United Kingdom,
- Buckingham Palace,
- Westminster Abbey
- Organisations:
- House of Commons
Absolutely Stunning! What a beautiful ceremony and William and Catherine look so happy. The Aston Martin ride was just the topper on the cake. I wish I were there to celebrate with you.For all of you who were there, waving flags and wearing spiffy hats, I saw you! And you all looked great! :)It was very impressive to see the procession of people to Buckingham Palace after the wedding. I was really impressed with Everything I saw today watching the Wedding.I wish William and Catherine luck, love and happiness as they step into married life.
- Dawn, Boston USA, 29/4/2011 20:32
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