In an event royal watchers have been waiting for years, Britain’s Prince William married his university sweetheart, Catherine Middleton on Friday at the historic Westminster Abbey. The wedding was watched by 2 billion around the world, both on television and on the Internet. This was one royal occasion that did not disappoint.
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Guests began to arrive at the Abbey two hours before the ceremony began, with the men dressed in morning suits while the women wore simple dresses and (many) wild hats.
Prince William left Clarence House with his brother and best man, Prince Harry at around 10am local time. Dressed in a red Irish Guards uniform, the Prince looked relaxed and excited for his big day. Once getting to the Abbey, he and Harry waited in the wings while many other guests arrived, including his in-laws, the Middleton family and the royal family.
Catherine Middleton left Goring Hotel under a canopy to hide her top secret dress. But once inside the Rolls Royce, it was clear just how beautiful her gown was. Reminiscent of Grace Kelly when she wed the Prince of Monaco in 1956, the wedding dress had lacy sleeves and bodice representing the floral of the four areas of the United Kingdom – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. When she arrived at the Abbey and stepped out of the car, Catherine unveiled the dress for the world to see.
See more pics of Catherine arriving here
It was designed by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen label. This moment was clearly monumental in the world of both royalty and fashion, and has made Sarah Burton a household name.
Besides the gown, Catherine also wore the Cartier tiara, on loan from Queen Elizabeth II.
Escorted by her father Michael through the Abbey, Catherine looked poised even if she was blushing a bit.
At the altar, Prince William had his back turned, preparing himself to be surprised by what his bride looked like. Catherine intended to surprise him today.
And she did. When she made it to his side, the Prince said, “You look beautiful”.
He also joked her father, saying “We’re supposed to have just a small family affair.”
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The recitation of vows went off without a hitch. The only ring given was to Catherine from William, who never intended to wear a ring.
The ceremony included a reading from the Bible by the bride’s brother, James. Several hymns were played, and within an hour, William and his new wife emerged from signing the registration beaming and happily in love. Catherine from now on is Her Royal Highness, and she and her husband are to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The couple elegantly walked out of Westminster Abbey and into an open air carriage, which took them through the streets of London. Thousands cheered for the newlyweds, who warmly waved to them. The carriage took them to Buckingham Palace.
About an hour after arriving there, the Duke and Duchess walked out onto the balcony. Within minutes, they gave what Britons and the whole world was waiting for – a kiss.
The couple gave each other a warm peck – a far cry from the awkward kiss Prince Charles and Princess Diana exchanged in 1981.
But one kiss was not enough. The crowds outside Buckingham Palace cheered “one more kiss!”, and indeed William and Catherine did to a roar of cheers.
A reception was held at Buckingham Palace for many of the nearly 2,000 guests at the wedding. Later in the day, William and Catherine emerged from the Palace in an open aired sports car with the words “Just Wed” on the back. The Prince drove the car through London to Clarence House, where his father is holding a dinner reception – this time for the friends and family of the couple.
For that reception, Catherine changed into a strapless white gown with a jeweled belt – also designed by Sarah Burton.
After all this, Prince William and Catherine will head off to their honeymoon.
Long live the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!
Below are videos of the wedding of the year:
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