Meghan and Harry head for Frogmore House for reception after royal wedding

Fireworks have lit up the sky over Windsor to cap an extraordinary wedding day for Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan Markle. 

The newlyweds danced the night away after arriving in a converted electric Jaguar for their wedding reception at Frogmore House, following a multi-cultural wedding the likes of which Britain’s royals and the millions watching have never seen before.

Around 200 guests were due to join the couple at the evening event at the 17th-century Frogmore mansion in the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Meghan, wearing an aquamarine ring which once belonged to Princess Diana, was due to make a speech to guests.

They travelled in a silver blue open-top Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero, which was originally manufactured in 1968 and now runs on electricity on her way to the English country house which stands in the home park of Windsor Castle and is part of the Crown Estate. It is only open to individuals on three days of the year. 

The bride’s evening dress is designed by Stella McCartney and is a bespoke lily white high neck gown made of silk crepe, while her Aquazurra shoes are silky satin with soles painted in baby blue. 

Her hair, styled by George Northwood, was in a relaxed up do, with loose strands tucked behind her ears amid the breeze. She was spotted wearing the large ring on her right hand which once belonged to Harry’s mother. 

A double decker coach full of guests arrived at the entrance to Frogmore House for the evening reception at 7.15pm. The coach had arrived from Coworth Park hotel in Ascot, where Princes Harry and William spent the night before the wedding. 

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie arrived in a black Bentley at 7.30pm while Sophie, Countess of Wessex, arrived just before 8pm in a Land Rover Discovery. 

Actor James Corden, who attended the ceremony earlier with his wife Julia Carey, is set to play the role of host and entertainer for the reception, it is reported. Guests invited to Frogmore House, a royal estate in Windsor Home Park, were given a few hours after the lunch to rest and change outfits. 

Earlier Meghan became the first mixed-race member of the royal family in an extraordinary journey for a girl born in LA to a white father and African-American mother who fought her way through the tough world of showbusiness to land a plum role in the TV series Suits.

Harry and Meghan’s big day couldn’t have been more different than royal weddings of the past, especially because the prince was visibly emotional throughout – and guests suggested it was the most diverse major event in the Queen’s 66-year reign with heavy influences from the US and Meghan’s mixed-race background. 

The prince had looked tearful when he saw his bride for the first time, grabbing her hand telling her: ‘You look amazing – I missed you’ before tenderly lifting her veil. They will spend their first night as a married couple at Windsor Castle and are expected to return to Kensington Palace in London on Sunday. 

The new Duke of Sussex also said ‘thank you, pa’ after his father Prince Charles walked the now Duchess of Sussex down the aisle of St George’s Chapel, Windsor, having stepped in at the last moment for Meghan’s father Thomas.  

The newlyweds shared tears, laughter and a passionate kiss in front of their hundreds of VIP guests dominated by Hollywood stars including the Clooneys, the Beckhams, Idris Elba, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hardy and James Corden. 

Elton John, who sang at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, performed at the lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen in a poignant nod to Harry’s late mother, who died when he was only 12. 

All the senior British royals were also there to support the couple including Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Philip, Harry’s best man Prince William and his wife Kate, who brought George and Charlotte but left baby Louis with the nanny. 

The former actress, 36, managed to make a tearful Harry giggle as they exchanged vows before being pronounced man and wife by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. 

Despite being an Anglican church service it had a distinctly American feel with a US bishop delivering a passionate address that appeared to make some royals snigger and a gospel choir filling the chapel with music from Ben E. King and Etta James.

But there was also much of the great British pageantry that royal fans around the world love – all set in the fairy tale surroundings of Windsor Castle on a stunning May spring day. 

Meghan chose acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller – the first female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy – to design her dress. She also wore a Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen. 

On the steps of the chapel Meghan asked her new husband discreetly: ‘Do we kiss?’ and Harry whispered ‘yeah’ before passionately planting one on her lips.

Outside St George’s Chapel, more than 100,000 fevered well-wishers gathered in glorious British sunshine and cheered the couple as they started their new married life in the grand Ascot Landau carriage.

Meghan waved and smiled to the crowds and said ‘wow’ to her new husband while, in his inimitable style, he said back: ‘I’m ready for a drink now’.   

As the newlyweds were swept through Windsor greeting huge crowds waving Union Flags the VIP guests were taken up to the castle for a lavish lunch and drinks hosted by the Queen.Guests praised the relaxed atmosphere and diverse feel. 

Sarah Ferguson, ex-wife of Prince Andrew, said: ‘I have had a lovely day and it is wonderful to see so many people out for this lovely occasion’. 

The newlyweds had emerged from St George’s Chapel to loud cheers from the crowd this afternoon.

Stopping at the top of the stone steps, the pair shared a kiss to the delight of onlookers.

The couple were waved off and watched by members of the royal family as they left in an open-top Ascot Landau for a carriage procession through Windsor.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the oldest children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, did not follow Harry and Meghan as they made their way back up the aisle.

Instead, the youngsters held their parents’ hands as they made their way out of the chapel.

Mike Tindall was seen rubbing heavily-pregnant wife Zara’s bump as the congregation waited for Harry and Meghan to sign their register. Mr and Mrs Tindall are expecting their second child.

Few things illustrated the disparate cultural beginnings of bride and groom better than the religious figures who appeared at their wedding.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby officiated with the measured solemnity common to Church of England services, while Chicago-born Bishop Curry riveted the congregation with a fiery delivery of his ‘Power of Love’ address.

His speech touched on issues including slavery and poverty, even channeling the spirit of another celebrated black orator, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

While the bishop’s performance may have been a break from the norm for the royal family, it delighted viewers in America.

US journalist Elamin Abdelmahmoud tweeted: ‘A black reverend preaching to British royalty about the resilience of faith during slavery is 10000000% not what I thought I was waking up for, the royal wedding is good.’

Former British tabloid editor Piers Morgan added: ‘Wow. Still reeling from Rev Curry. What a moment. What a guy! He may have gone on a bit long but as my youngest son just rang to say: ‘Dad, imagine being a black American watching this wedding? It’s historic – and brilliant.’ He’s right.’

Staples of gospel music sat alongside traditional church hymns on the order of service handed out to wedding guests.

Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir captivated viewers around the world with a performance of Stand By Me, written by African-American singer Ben E King, and This Little Light Of Mine, a tune which coloured the sound of the civil rights movement.

Many wrote online that the performance had reduced them to tears.

Ms Gibson later told Sky News: ‘Both of those are gospel staples you know, they are very well known. Etta James has done this arrangement.

‘We really enjoyed it, we really rocked up to that one you know? It was great fun.’

Praising the address of Bishop Curry, she added: ‘It’s what we’re actually used to that’s the flavour of preachers we’re used to, so we were getting very excited.’

As the couple slipped away for the signing of the register during the service, another talented black musician, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, took centre stage.

The British cellist – winner of BBC Young Musician 2016 – held the attention of the chapel as he performed several moving pieces which had been selected by the palace.

The 19-year-old later told the broadcaster: ‘It’s such an honour and it’s something that you could never expect.

‘I still don’t quite believe it, so it’s just an amazing experience.’  

You could hear a pin drop as the 600 guests watched the British prince and American star say ‘I do’ in the historic surroundings of the chapel at Windsor Castle.

At midday, all eyes were turned to the grand door at the West Steps to catch the first glimpse of Meghan as she appeared through the ornate entrance.

Just before the bride arrived, the bridesmaids and pageboys were ushered in by the Duchess of Cambridge, who helped coax them into their positions with an encouraging hand on their shoulder.

The children were handed flowers behind the door when one of the little bridesmaids began to cry.

With such a crew of youngsters following the bride up to the altar, it was unlikely to be plain sailing.

The Cambridges’ nanny, Maria, lifted the child up to comfort her, as Prince George looked up at the tearful girl.

George briefly chatted with his nanny, who helped to organise the group.

Harry’s niece and nephew – George and Princess Charlotte – were among the six bridesmaids and four pageboys, all aged between two and seven. 

Harry’s goddaughters Zalie Warren, two, and three-year-old Florence van Cutsem, Ms Markle’s goddaughters, sisters Remi and Rylan Litt, aged six and seven respectively, and four-year-old Ivy Mulroney – the daughter of Meghan’s close friend Jessica Mulroney – were bridesmaids.

The other pageboys were Harry’s six-year-old godson Jasper Dyer – the son of Harry’s mentor Mark Dyer – and Mrs Mulroney’s seven-year-old twin sons Brian and John Mulroney.

A member of Prince Harry’s household bent down to help to adjust one of the bridesmaid’s dresses before their walk up the aisle.

When Meghan appeared through the doors of the chapel, sunlight streaming in behind her, she turned to smile and wave at the children who were standing to her right.

Her sparkling tiara dazzled in the light of the chapel.

The gaggle of children toddled up the aisle behind Meghan through the Nave, before the bride was joined by the Prince of Wales and the pair made their way down the aisle of the Quire to where Harry was waiting.

Guests turned to smile at each other after Meghan and the children made their way past each pew, perhaps approving of the sumptuous bridal gown and ethereal veil or admiring the children carrying out their duties with aplomb.

A few minutes later, there were giggles when the Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the declarations.

A loud and clear ‘We will’ sounded out when the guests were asked if they would support Harry and Meghan.  

Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland smiled at the Prince of Wales and took his hand as they joined the newlyweds in one of the chapel’s transepts to privately record their marriage. 

There was a hush around the chapel as the wedding ceremony began and the crowds listened intently as the Dean of Windsor, David Connor, started proceedings.

The silence was only broken by the rumble of aircraft passing overhead and the odd champagne cork popping.

The crowd in Horseshoe Cloister shouted a resounding ‘We will’ as the Archbishop of Canterbury posed the question inside St George’s Chapel as to whether the families and friends of Prince Harry and Meghan would support them in their marriage.   

Meghan’s delicate veil was five metres long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza, with her two pageboys carrying the ends as she made her way up the steps.

Her hair was up and she wore the glittering Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen.

The presiding bishop of the American Episcopal Church Bishop Bishop Michael Curry enthusiastically delivered a passionate address about the power of love – but it appeared to make many in the congregation laugh. 

It is expected to be the biggest royal wedding in Britain since Prince William married Kate in 2011 with more than 21million UK households set to watch and 23million expected to tune in from America.  

Ms Markle’s wedding dress has been designed by the acclaimed British designer, Clare Keller, the first female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy. 

The veil was held in place by Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, lent to her by The Queen, made in 1932 – an outfit that left her mother Doria Ragland, 62, in tears.

Meghan arrived accompanied by two page boys who held up her train as she made her way up the chapel’s steps alone and entered the chapel by herself, to begin the walk down the alter, before being met by the Prince of Wales. 

David Emanuel, who designed Diana, Princess of Wales’s dress for her wedding to the Prince of Wales in 1981, said of Meghan Markle’s outfit: ‘The bride is simplicity herself.’

He added: ‘The dress is as I predicted – simple, stylish, elegant and understated.

‘I think the story is in the silk jewelled veil – it encompasses all the Commonwealth flowers, which I think is very clever.’

Asked what he thought Harry’s late mother would have said about the dress, Mr Emanuel said: ‘I think Diana would have approved.’ 

Meghan’s bouquet contains several flowers handpicked by Prince Harry from their private garden, Kensington Palace said.

‘Prince Harry handpicked several flowers yesterday from their private garden at Kensington Palace to add to the bespoke bridal bouquet designed by florist Philippa Craddock,’ the statement said.

‘The spring blooms include Forget-Me-Nots which were Diana, Princess of Wales’ favourite flower. The couple specifically chose them to be included in Ms Markle’s bouquet to honour the memory of the late princess on this special day.

‘The bride’s bouquet is a petite design, pulled together in a gentle, ethereal, relaxed style with delicate blooms also including scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine and astrantia, and sprigs of myrtle all bound with a naturally dyed, raw silk ribbon.

‘The myrtle sprigs are from stems planted at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and from a plant grown from the myrtle used in the Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947.

‘The tradition of carrying myrtle begun after Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle by Prince Albert’s grandmother during a visit to Gotha in Germany.

‘In the same year, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House as a family retreat, and a sprig from the posy was planted against the terrace walls, where it continues to thrive today.

‘The myrtle was first carried by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married in 1858.’

The Most Rev Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, gave an address titled the Power of Love at the service in St George’s Chapel.

He opened his speech with the words of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, who said: ‘We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world. Love is the only way.’

The bishop then added: ‘There’s power in love. Don’t underestimate it. Don’t even over-sentimentalise. There is power, power in love.’

The Episcopal Church is the US offshoot of the Church of England and forms part of the broader Anglican Communion. Meghan was baptised into the Anglican Church, which is headed by Harry’s grandmother.

Bishop Curry told the service: ‘There’s power in love. Love can help and heal when nothing else can. There’s power in love to lift up and liberate when nothing else will.’

Such power could be seen in the service, he continued, saying: ‘Two young people fell in love and we all showed up.’  

Prince Harry looked nervous as he arrived at St George’s with his best man William but quickly warmed up waving and grinning at crowds before greeting guests inside and outside the chapel. 

Her mother Doria smiled and looked adoringly at her daughter in the back of her wedding car, again supporting her in the absence of her father Thomas Markle. 

Mother and daughter drove away in a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, which was built and delivered to the Queen in 1950 and used by Kate Middleton for her trip to Westminster Abbey when she married William seven years ago.

The couple have invited 2,000 guests and have needed more than three hours to fill the church with friends including actor Tom Hardy, Carey Mulligan, tennis player Serena Williams and many of Meghan’s Suits co-stars all there.

Harry’s ex-girlfriends Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas were also invited and joined the Middletons and his uncle Earl Spencer in the giant congregation.

Royals including the Queen and Prince Charles – who will walk Meghan down the aisle after her father dropped out – will be the last to arrive before Harry, William and finally Meghan, who will enter the church alone.

Princess Diana’s son’s whirlwind romance with the US-born actress, 36, has captured the public’s imagination and they will become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they marry. 

After a secret six-month relationship the couple went public and later confirmed they got engaged in November when he proposed while roasting a chicken in his Kensington Palace flat. 

Their big day is finally here after a week of turmoil for Meghan after her father pulled out at the last minute and her estranged relatives flooded into the UK to cash in on her big day.  

Cheers and applause erupted at the West Door as Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge arrived at St George’s Chapel. The bridegroom and his best man were met by the Dean of Windsor.

They stopped for a few moments and had a brief conversation, before walking inside.

Harry, looking dapper in his frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals, walked up the aisle with his best man and was seen acknowledging a guest in the congregation with a nod.

Both Harry and the Duke of Cambridge are wearing the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.

The Queen gave her permission for her grandson to get married in his uniform, Kensington Palace said.

Both uniforms were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.

Tens of thousands of royal fans are in the Berkshire town to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom, as police have effectively created a £30million ring of steel around the castle in a massive security operation.

Many slept on the streets and more have left their homes in the middle of the night or travelled from across the world to see them.

Revellers wearing wedding dresses, union and American flags and other outlandish outfits have been popping Champagne and prosecco since 8am or earlier as they toasted the happy couple.

The official 10 Downing Street Twitter account posted a message to the couple from Theresa May, saying: ‘My very best wishes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day. To all of those joining the national celebration with street parties and other events, have a wonderful day.’ 

Meghan spent her last night of freedom at the Cliveden House Hotel around 25 minutes from Windsor Castle where she will next see Prince Harry at the altar of St George’s Chapel.

Last night she looked stunning as she arrived with her mother Doria Ragland, 62, after enjoying afternoon tea with the Queen.

Meanwhile her husband-to-be and Prince William enjoyed a walkabout through Windsor to meet the thousands of well-wishers who have gathered to see him get married.

As she walked into the hotel wearing a £1,350 navy Roland Mouret Barwick dress she grinned as she told waiting royal fans that she felt ‘wonderful, thank you’ ahead of the biggest day of her life.

Beaming Meghan also gathered her closest friends, her dress designer and hairdresser to join her in £1,500-a-night rooms last night. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – a title not handed out for more than 150 years.

The Queen has conferred the titles on her grandson and his bride-to-be as they prepare to walk down the aisle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor today.

The royal groom was given a dukedom – the highest rank in the British peerage – to mark his marriage to Meghan Markle. 

American former actress Meghan will now become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex on her marriage at the much-anticipated ceremony in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Harry also received Scottish and Northern Irish titles, becoming the Earl of of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel, which means Meghan will become the Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel.

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.  

At the end of a dramatic week, sources said Harry and Meghan had just wanted to focus on their big day.

‘They are just so in love and while it has been a hugely emotional week for Meghan in terms of her father, who she is still deeply concerned about, they now want to focus on the day,’ they said. ‘It’s a huge moment for them … and they just want people to enjoy the day.’

Another added: ‘Honestly, I have never seen him so happy. He is just besotted and cannot wait to make Meghan his wife.’

With Mr Markle, a former Hollywood lighting director, recovering from surgery to fit a heart stent, Kensington Palace announced yesterday that Prince Charles would walk his future daughter-in-law to the altar. Sources close to the prince, who will wear a morning suit, said he was ‘deeply touched’ to have been asked.

‘It wasn’t something he raised at all … the couple came to him,’ they said. The source added that Charles had met Miss Markle several times and appeared to have struck up a very ‘genuine bond’ with her and now her mother. 

Millions around the world will have watched but America has been gripped by ‘Meghan mania’ – and US broadcasters have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide the best possible coverage for their viewers.

With prime broadcasting spots given to British TV, American networks have ‘annexed’ several guesthouses and hotels around Windsor Castle.

NBC is said to have ‘taken over’ the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, opposite the castle, with a team of around 300.

The broadcaster has built an ‘Olympic stadium’-like studio on the rooftop to achieve the best backdrops and have a view of the castle in the background.

Yesterday Meghan Markle’s co-stars from the TV legal drama Suits appeared in the studio to tell viewers back home how she revealed her romance with Prince Harry.

Meanwhile, rival networks ABC and CBS are said to have removed windows from rooms at the front of the Harte & Garter hotel at great expense to create the best shots.

And a two-storey temporary media centre has been set up on the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park solely for US journalists to broadcast to fascinated viewers back home.

Broadcasters are devoting huge amounts of air time to programmes before and after the wedding, and most are broadcasting or streaming the ceremony live.

In 2011, the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was watched by 23million Americans even though it was the middle of the night for many in the US.

But viewing figures are expected to be much higher for Prince Harry and Miss Markle’s ceremony today. 

The dress that made Harry cry: Meghan stuns in £200K pure white Givenchy gown and 15ft silk veil embroidered with 53 flowers representing the Commonwealth and held in place by a diamond tiara lent by the Queen

Meghan Markle has surprised everyone by wearing a wedding dress designed by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller after months of speculation linking her to other designers, such as Erdem, and moved her groom to tears in the stunning classic creation. 

An emotional Harry told his bride ‘you look amazing’ after she wafted down the aisle in the classic silk gown in pure white, with a 15ft veil embroidered with flowers of the Commonwealth.

The veil is made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza, while the look was completed by a Cartier bracelet and earrings and a Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen.

Meghan chose acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller, 48, from Birmingham, the first female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy to design her dress after meeting in early 2018. 

The bespoke creation is estimated to have cost £200,000, including £78,000 for custom-made fabric and £4,000 for fittings. 

The pair worked closely together on the design, with Ms. Waight Keller carrying out  extensive research at fabric mills throughout Europe, to develop an exclusive double bonded silk cady especially for Meghan.

Together, the pair decided this was perfect for the round sculptural look required while the soft matt lustre, bonding process and pure white colour bring a fresh modernity to the dress.

In a statement, Ms Waight Keller said: ‘It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me. The House of Givenchy joins me in wishing her and Prince Harry every wish of happiness in their future.’

Meghan was said to be impressed by Ms Waight Keller’s timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour and wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent who has now served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses – Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and now Givenchy. 

The result was a dress which epitomises a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.

In keeping with the heritage of the house of Givenchy, the ‘pure lines’ have been created using six meticulously placed seams, and features a graphic open bateau neckline and slender sculpted waist. 

The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity. 

Meghan was eager to incorporate a nod to all 53 countries of the Commonwealth into her special day, and asked for a veil embellished with the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in a single spectacular floral composition. 

It’s already been established that the Commonwealth family of nations will be a central part of Harry and Meghan’s work after the Queen appointed her grandson as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.

Kensington Palace said that Meghan ‘wanted to express her gratitude for the opportunity to support the work of the Commonwealth by incorporating references to its members into the design of her wedding dress’.

Significant time was spent researching the flora of each Commonwealth country while Ms. Waight Keller spent many hours ensuring that every flower is unique.

Lesotho, for example, was represented by a spiral aloe, Bangladesh was symbolised by a white water lily and Grenada had a bougainvillea. Australia was represented by golden wattles, and Nigeria had a yellow trumpet.

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland were respectively represented by a rose, a daffodil, a flax flower and a thistle.

Each flower was worked flat, in three dimensions to create a unique and delicate design. The workers spent hundreds of hours meticulously sewing and washing their hands every thirty minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.

In addition to the flora of the Commonwealth, Ms. Markle also selected two personal favourite flowers to be featured on the veil. 

One was Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), which grows in the grounds of Kensington Palace in front of Nottingham Cottage, and the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) the State flower from Ms. Markle’s place of birth, California.

Symmetrically placed at the very front of the veil, crops of wheat are delicately embroidered and blend into the flora, to symbolise love and charity.

In addition to making Meghan’s dress Clare Waight Keller designed Meghan’s wedding shoes, based on a Givenchy refined pointed couture design made of a silk duchess satin.

She also created the six young Bridesmaids’ dresses in the Givenchy Haute Couture Atelier in Paris to ‘have the same timeless purity as Ms. Markle’s dress’.

In a statement released this afternoon, the designer said that it had been an honour to work on perhaps her most high profile project to date.  

‘It is truly an honour to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion,’ she said.  

‘We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasise the iconic codes of Givenchy through its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts. 

‘In contract, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the Commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle.

‘As a British designer at a Parisian Haute Couture house, and on behalf of all of us at Givenchy who have been able to experience such an extraordinary process of creativity, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Kensington Palace for allowing us to be part of this historical chapter.

‘It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me. The House of Givenchy joins me in wishing her and Prince Harry every wish of happiness in their future.’

Meghan’s choice of designer remained a closely guarded secret until this morning, and it was reported that even Prince Harry didn’t know who she’d picked as he wanted a ‘total surprise’ on the big day. 

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks, but Givenchy was certainly not thought to be a frontrunner and failed to appear on the odds list being touted by bookmakers. 

Givenchy isn’t a label she’s previously been associated with, and royal watchers were convinced she’d wear a designer she’s previously stepped out in, such as Burberry. 

Ralph & Russo was previously expected to get the honour, with the bride-to-be rumoured to wear a hand-stitched and heavily beaded design with long sleeves. 

However, Meghan previously made it clear that she favoured a simple, classic look for a wedding dress.  

Speaking to Glamour before she emerged as Prince Harry’s girlfriend, she called the late Carolyn Bessette’s wedding dress as her ‘everything goals’.

Carolyn, then 30, wore a minimalist white gown by Narciso Rodriguez, who was at the time a little known designer to marry John F. Kennedy Jr.

Describing her dream dress, Meghan added: ‘Classic and simple is the name of the game, perhaps with a modern twist.  

However British bridal designer Caroline Castigliano claimed this week that Meghan had in fact given Stella McCartney the honour.

‘Stella is such a perfect fit for Meghan,’ she told the New York Post. ‘She uses organic fabrics and her ethos is the same as Meghan. 

‘Her style is very underplayed, her dresses are very clean in style, very much Meghan and they are friends.’ 

She added: ‘I believe it will be a very straight, fitted dress, with a big 9-foot train that comes off the dress from the side to create the drama, and lace trickling down the top of it.’  

 

Doria joins The Firm: Megan’s mother lines up with Royal Family on steps of St George’s Chapel as they wave off the happy couple – while Philip, 96, flanks the Queen at ceremony

Meghan Markle’s mother Doria Ragland proudly stood with senior members of the Royal Family on the steps of St George’s Chapel today after watching her daughter marry Prince Harry.

Miss Ragland, who flew over from Los Angeles for the wedding in Windsor, stood with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Earlier, the Queen was flanked by her husband Prince Philip, just six weeks after his hip operation, as she waved to the crowds at Windsor Castle upon her arrival for her grandson Harry’s wedding to Meghan.

Harry’s father and Camilla arrived at the Galilee Porch before making their way into St George’s Chapel after a whole host of royals including Sophie, Countess of Wessex with Prince Edward took their seats for the big day. 

Sarah, Duchess of York waved to the crowds as she arrived for the wedding, before her ex-husband Prince Andrew approached the chapel with their daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Pregnant Zara Tindall and her husband Mike smiled as they walked up to the chapel, after Earl Spencer, the 53-year-old brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, appeared with his wife Karen Villeneuve. 

Eliza Spencer, Louis Spencer, and Kitty Spencer – three of the four children Earl Spencer had with his first wife, former fashion model Victoria Aitken – were also present as they walked arm-in-arm with their mother today.

Meanwhile the whole of Kate Middleton’s family arrived together this morning, including the Duchess of Cambridge’s parents Carole and Michael, brother James, and sister Pippa with her husband James Matthews.

Harry will be thinking of Diana – who died in a car crash in 1997 when he was aged 12 – and the hymn, Guide Me, O Thy Great Redeemer, which was played at her funeral more than two decades ago, will be sung today. 

The 33-year-old prince has invited Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, along with Diana’s other two siblings, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as a way of honouring his late mother.

Lady Jane will give the only reading at the royal wedding today. Speaking from the Nave, Diana, Princess of Wales’ older sister will read from the Song of Solomon, which stresses the strength and power of love. 

The decision to give the important role of delivering the reading to the late princess’s sibling shows the strong connection Harry retains with his mother’s family. Lady Jane also gave a reading at Diana’s funeral in 1997. 

The image of a young Harry and his brother William, then 15, walking behind Diana’s coffin on the day of her funeral through London on September 6, 1997 became etched in the public’s memory. 

US bishop becomes break-out star of the show: Energising preacher raises eyebrows and sets social media alight with a very different Royal wedding address 

A US bishop stole the show with his fiery address at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding – but some of the royals appeared to be stifling giggles.

The Most Reverend Michael Curry has been praised for his passionate speech which touched upon slavery, the Old Testament and even quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many of social media were delighted to see the American reverend ‘shake up’ the traditional royal proceedings.

The preacher also provoked a few chuckles in the chapel – and even Harry and Meghan couldn’t help but giggle at one point.

Meanwhile Prince William seemed to be desperately trying to hold back a fit of laughter as Rev. Curry talked about how ‘fire made it possible to text and tweet’.

Camilla and Kate shared a look of bemusement as the reverend continued his sermon.

‘We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love, and when we do that, we will make of this old world, a new world,’ he quoted Dr. King.

‘Don’t under estimate it,’ he announced.

Meghan, holding hands with Prince Harry, smiled as she listened to Curry talk about how: ‘Two young people fell in love, and we showed up.’

Rev. Curry even mentioned slavery in his wedding speech.

‘I’m talking about some power, real power, power to change the world,’ he said of the ‘power of love.’

‘If you don’t believe me there were some old slaves in America’s south who explained the power of love.

‘They sang a spiritual even in the midst of their captivity. It’s the one that says there’s a balm in Gilead, a healing balm… to make the wounded whole.’

‘Love is as strong as death.’

Many on social media were quick to praise Rev. Curry’s unusual speech.

‘I will write three thousand words on why Rev Michael Curry is the best thing to ever happen to The Royal Family, get in touch,’ Dolly H Alderton tweeted.

While DailyMail.com editor-at-large Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘Love this guy.’

Others were pleased that Rev. Curry had brought up such a controversial subject at the wedding.

Andrea L. Pino tweeted: ‘Rev Michael Curry is talking about slaves finding love in the South in the face of the Queen of England. This is moment is hundreds of years in the making. #RoyalWedding.’

‘Rev. Curry also spoke about loving one’s neighbor so that ‘poverty will become history’ and said that ‘when love is the way, the Earth is a sanctuary.’

‘There’s plenty there’s of room for all God’s children if we actually treat each other like we are actually family.’

Rev. Curry even threw in a mention of Old Solomon and the fire of the Old Testament.

Keeping on the theme of fire, he discussed human’s ability to harness fire which gave us everything from the Bronze Age right through to the ability to ‘text, tweet, email, and otherwise socially engage one another due to fire.’

The reverend brought his address to an end by once again quoting Dr. King, before finally admitting that the sermon had gone on for a little longer than expected.

‘With that, I got to sit down, we got to get you all married,’ he said, to laughter from the crowd.

Rev. Curry has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, who was not invited.

The bishop has previously announced plans to march in Washington D.C. and denounced the US president’s leadership as ‘dangerous’ and a ‘crisis of moral and political leadership’.

Bishop Curry publicly criticised Trump as recently as last week, in a letter which was signed by a further 22 other Christian leaders.

The letter read: ‘We reject the resurgence of white nationalism and racism in our nation on many fronts, including the highest levels of ­political leadership.’

Rev Curry, from Chicago, has previously backed gay marriage and transgender rights and is the 27th presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Church is an offshoot of the Church of England in the US and forms part of the broader Anglican Communion worldwide.

Ms Markle was baptised by the Most Rev Justin Welby ahead of her wedding to the prince, whose grandmother, the Queen, is head of the Anglican Church.

Bishop Curry said: ‘The love that has brought and will bind Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle together has its source and origin in God, and is the key to life and happiness.

‘And so we celebrate and pray for them today.’

He is the first African-American bishop to have served as the Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop, a role he has held since November 2015.

Last year, Revend Curry also criticised Trump’s decision to revoke the right of transgender people to serve in the US military.

Rev Curry said: ‘Discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is a violation of the fundamental ideal of equality in America.’

 

Harry and Meghan’s star-studded wedding! The Beckhams and George and Amal Clooney lead the A-list guests alongside Sir Elton John and Oprah

George and Amal Clooney and David and Victoria Beckham were among the global A-list celebrities who turned the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle into a Hollywood event this afternoon.

Sir Elton John, wearing pink glasses, was spotted leaving St George’s Chapel, after he was seen warmly embracing David and Victoria Beckham and singer James Blunt. 

Filmstar Idris Elba, US TV host Oprah Winfrey and singer James Blunt were also among the celebrities to attend the ceremony at George’s Chapel this morning.

Following the grand arrival of the Beckhams and the Clooneys, filmstars Tom Hardy and Carrie Mulligan and TV host James Corden were seen filing into the church.

Tennis star Serena Williams was in attendance, as well as Meghan’s close friend Priyanka Chopra and her former Suits co-stars.

After the ceremony, the celebrities piled out of the chapel as they waved to the crowds gathered outside. 

Barrister Amal Clooney was all smiles as she walked in, wearing a long, bright yellow dress with matching hat, arm-in-arm with her Hollywood star husband.

Singer turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham, who did not have quite the same megawatt smile as Amal, was dressed in a navy outfit and wore coral heels as she walked in with husband David.

Hollywood star Elba, accompanied by his fiancee Sabrina Dhowre, beamed as he made his way in, under bright sunshine, into the ceremony.

Singer James Blunt and wife Sofia Wellesley were also among the earliest guests for the big day.

US media magnate and talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who wore a pink dress and wide-brimmed hat, walked in just behind Elba.

TV historian Dan Snow was also at the wedding. And actress Carey Mulligan and husband, Mumford & Sons star Marcus Mumford, were also there, as well as singer Joss Stone.

Rugby star James Haskell and his girlfriend Chloe Madeley also joined the stream of famous faces walking into the church this morning.

Former England rugby union player and coach Sir Clive Woodward was also among the well-known guests. 

The Clooneys became friends with Meghan after being introduced via a mutual friend when she moved to England, with the pair even sharing the same hairdresser who is set to do the bride-to be’s hair on the big day.  

‘Meghan and Amal have known each other for a while’ a source told People.com.

The insider added the human rights lawyer and the former Suits actress, 36, share ‘many of the same interests’.

The couple, who have been married for nearly four years, will also reportedly attend the private reception at Frogmore House on Saturday evening. 

Victoria Beckham’s look was similar to the one she wore to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.

Meanwhile David’s suit was noticeably without his OBE medal as he chatted to celebrity guests at the ceremony and the pair were greeted by throng of fans as they made their way into the church. 

36-year-old tennis pro Serena Williams was seen laughing happily as she arrived at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding, along with her husband Alexis Ohanian, 35.

Wearing a dusty pink dress, along with a matching fascinator, Serena made a chic arrival at the ceremony, where she put on a happy and relaxed display for the waiting crowds and photographers, laughing uproariously as she and Alexis made their way into the chapel ahead of the start of the service. 

Serena paired her asymmetrical Versace dress with a pair of nude heels, a small silver clutch bag, a chunky metallic necklace, and a large peach-colored fascinator.

The mother-of-one shared several snaps of her ensemble on her Instagram account before heading off to the chapel for the ceremony, posing solo at first in the pale pink dress, which flattered her figure perfectly, emphasizing her curves and her slim waist.

She paired the dress with a pair of matching pale pink shoes, that had a pointed toe and a chunky heel, no doubt making for a more comfortable stroll down the path to the chapel.  

Meghan Markle’s Suits co-stars arrived together to support their friend as she tied the knot with Prince Harry at Windsor Castle.

Patrick J. Adams, who was Meghan’s on-screen husband on the show, arrived along with his actress wife Troian Bellisario.

The other cast members spotted arriving with their respective partners included Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, Abigail Spencer and Rick Hoffman.

The Suits cohort were all seated near each other inside the church for the lavish ceremony.  

As well as the A-listers, charity champions and community stalwarts filed into the castle grounds with their hampers. 

The group were nominated by the nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices after Harry and Meghan asked for those picked to come from a broad range of backgrounds and ages, including young people who have shown strong leadership. 

They filed past the huge crowds who have flooded the streets of Windsor to watch the couple arrive and a carriage procession they will take part in after the wedding service.  

Tom Moss, 23, was chosen to represent scouting in Staffordshire and brought his mother Vicki along.

He said he is a big fan of the couple, adding: ‘I think Harry’s down-to-earth, and all the charity work that he does as well. It makes a massive impact. A good role model for younger people as well.’

His mother said the outing is ‘just absolutely amazing’, adding: ‘We just can’t believe it, can we, that we’ve had this opportunity.’

She said it was a ‘once in a lifetime’ event.

Another young man having a day out with his mum is Jack Al-Alawi, 16, from Birmingham, who was chosen for being a volunteer police cadet.

‘Now I’m here it’s very exciting, much more special,’ he said.

The teenager said he was looking forward to seeing the guests go in, especially the Queen. 

‘She’s a #showstealer!’: Confident Princess Charlotte, three, excitedly waves to the crowds AGAIN as shy Prince George hides behind Wills’ legs

Princess Charlotte captured the hearts’ of the nation once again today as she waved enthusiastically at crowds outside the Royal wedding. and cheekily stuck out her tongue as she pulled up to the church. 

The three-year-old beamed as she gave a confident wave to adoring fans outside St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

But her four-year-old brother George was less keen to address the public, cowering behind his father William’s legs on the steps in front of the church. 

Both Prince William’s children were part of the wedding party, with Charlotte a bridesmaid and George a page boy.   

The young princess drew attention when she waved enthusiastically as the carriage with Harry and Meghan pulled away.

The Duchess of Cambridge had moments earlier bent down to her daughter and said ‘look at the carriage’, according to lip reader Tina Lannin.

The six little bridesmaids were dressed in pretty frocks and had flowers adorning their hair as they giggled and walked behind Meghan. 

Clare Waight Keller, who designed the bridal gown, also designed the bridesmaids’ dresses in the Givenchy Haute Couture Atelier in Paris.

They were made of ivory silk radzimir, and were high-waisted with short puff sleeves, hand finished with a double silk ribbon detail tied at the back in a bow.

The bridesmaids’ dresses included pockets and pleated skirt.

Each little girl also wore a flower crown chosen by Harry and Meghan, which replicated the flowers used in the bridal bouquet.

They wore white leather Aquazurra shoes, each monogrammed with the bridesmaid’s initials, and the wedding date. Kensington Palace said they were a gift from Meghan as a keepsake of the special day.

Charlotte stood smiling as she listened to This Little Light of Mine after Meghan and Harry left the chapel.  

Kate helped escort the ten children into Windsor Castle, as the children were seen excitedly waving and peering out of the vintage Rolls-Royce they arrived in. 

The excitement of the royal wedding became too much for one bridesmaid, who started crying moments before Meghan entered the chapel. 

The occasion seemed to overwhelm one of the little girls, believed to be the youngest, Zalie Warren.  

The two-year-old had to be picked up and comforted by Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s nanny before she made her way into the church.

She is one of Prince Harry’s goddaughters and the daughter of one of his best friends, Jake Warren, and his wife Zoe.

Harry’s other goddaughter three-year-old Florence van Cutsem was also a bridesmaid, as well as Ms Markle’s goddaughters, sisters Remi and Rylan Litt, aged six and seven respectively, and four-year-old Ivy Mulroney – the daughter of Meghan’s close friend Jessica Mulroney – were bridesmaids. 

 The other pageboys were Harry’s six-year-old godson Jasper Dyer – the son of Harry’s mentor Mark Dyer – and Mrs Mulroney’s seven-year-old twin sons Brian and John Mulroney. 

George was dressed in a black suit and looked more nervous in front of the cameras. 

The four page boys had their initials embroidered in gold on their shoulder straps, as their memento.

They wore a miniature version of the Blues and Royals frockcoat that Harry and the Duke of Cambridge wore.

Made from blue doeskin, they were single-breasted with a stand-up collar and figured braiding of Regimental pattern.

Their trousers were made of blue/black wool barathea with three-quarter scarlet stripes fastened with a leather strap. The uniforms were cut and made by the tailors Dege & Skinner in Savile Row.  

Guests turned to smile at each other after Meghan and the children made their way past each pew, perhaps approving of the sumptuous bridal gown and ethereal veil or admiring the children carrying out their duties with aplomb. 

The nation’s hearts melted as Charlotte turned to wave at crowds outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington last month.

Twitter users commented on her confident air, compared with her older brother’s more reserved nature.

Today she was credited with ‘stealing the show’ from the new Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, 36, and her husband Prince Harry, 33. 

People posted on social media that Charlotte ‘nailed that wave’, calling her ‘adorable’ and ‘a delight’.

One user wrote: ‘Princess Charlotte stole the show at her uncle Harry’s wedding #Royalwedding’

Another posted: ‘Princess Charlotte is a delight! She loves the people and the people love her. God she’s just amazing!’ 

  

‘I’m ready for a drink now!’ Prince Harry’s joke to Meghan as he and his new bride delight adoring fans with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor

Prince Harry joked ‘I’m ready for a drink now’ as he and his bride Meghan Markle pulled back into Windsor Castle after a rapturous reception from crowds of jubilant well-wishers.

Thousands of people cheered the couple as they took a horse-drawn carriage ride around Windsor following their wedding ceremony. 

The streets of the Berkshire town became a sea of Union Jack and Stars and Stripes flags as visitors from around the world crowded around the procession route to catch of glimpse of the happy couple. 

The newly-announced Duke and Duchess of Sussex smiled and waved to jubilant crowds, some of whom have camped out for days to be at the front of the throng.

According to lip reader Tina Lannin, as the carriage pulled back into the grounds of the castle, Harry could be seen saying ‘I’m ready for a drink now’, bringing a laugh from his wife.

As the carriage pulled away from the crowds into the gated grounds of Windsor Castle, Meghan seemed to be in awe of the scenes, lifting her hand to her chest and saying ‘wow’. 

Fans cheered as the couple were brought down Castle Hill, through the crowded town centre and then back to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk, escorted by a colourful travelling Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Some have been camped out near the castle walls for days, while others arrived as early as 4am to secure a good spot. 

After the carriage travelled past, one royal fan, Rachael Carter-Eagleton said: ‘She looked amazing. She shone like a diamond.’

The Queen lent the couple her refurbished Landau carriage, which was built for Queen Victoria, which normally carries the monarch to Royal Ascot. 

The ceremony was played through loudspeakers hanging on the side of Windsor Castle, so the crowds gathered on the streets outside can hear but not see proceedings.

During the service, a crowd in Horseshoe Cloister shouted a resounding ‘We will’ as the Archbishop of Canterbury posed the question inside St George’s Chapel as to whether the families and friends of Prince Harry and Meghan would support them in their marriage.

The mid-morning sun beat down on thousands of wellwishers, including some who had slept on the street overnight to bag the best spots, amid a sea of red, white and blue flags, T-shirts and bunting.

Outside The Windsor Castle pub, which is along the procession route, there were women in feather boas and veils as though they were on a hen night and many others who were sporting paper crowns or fancy fascinators.

A random ‘three cheers for the royal couple’ rang out as assistant pub manager Shauna Carabini, 22, described the atmosphere as ‘quite infectious’.

She said: ‘There have been people sleeping on the streets who have come from all over the world.

‘It is a very British kind of celebration – none of us know either of the people getting married but we are all invited to celebrate, smile and have fun.

‘The weather helps and I have never seen Windsor looking so lovely and with so many police around I have never felt so safe.’ 

Security was obvious, with scanners on entry, large sections of the centre cordoned off and uniformed officers everywhere.

Royal superfan Margaret Tyler, 72, whose home in Wembley, north London, is full of royal memorabilia, joined the crowds in Windsor with her friend of 40 years David Jones, 82.

Ms Tyler said: ‘I had to come because it is such a special day,’ and that Meghan Markle was ‘already well on her way’ to being a good member of the royal family.

Mr Jones said: ‘I will be having tea and crumpets to celebrate later.’

Debbie Hoover, 50, with her 21-year-old twin daughters Camille and Ashlyn, of Amarillo, Texas, made the wedding the main reason for their holiday. They slept outside overnight.

Mrs Hoover, who was sporting an eye-catching fascinator in the shape of a swan ‘because the Queen owns swans’, said: ‘Every girl wants to become a princess but in America you can’t – now it seems that you can. They make such a sweet couple. It is just so cool to actually be here.’

Ashlyn Hoover added: ‘Meghan is just following her heart with what she thinks is right. It is a true love story.’

Tony Appleton, who bills himself as a town crier complete with his ceremonial outfit, said: ‘I am so excited for Harry. I think at last he has found someone to tame him down. I am happy he has found this lovely American beauty.’

#Streetparty! Royal wedding fever grips Britain as people across the country celebrate Harry and Meghan’s big day with friends and neighbours

Royal wedding fever is gripping Britain today with hundreds of street parties and other celebrations planned.

But there are fears many may be overrun as fewer have been organised than when Prince William married, with some people complaining that councils have made it difficult and expensive to host parties this year.

Kent is holding 14, compared with 182 in 2011, while Hertfordshire hosted 298 celebrations in 2011 but is now only holding 51 this weekend. The hotspot is Richmond in South West London, which is hosting 93 parties.

Hundreds of people who watched the wedding in a sun-baked Leeds city centre declared it a ‘fantastic day’, even if some were left bemused by Bishop Michael Curry’s address.

Some people brought picnics and the prosecco flowed freely in front of the big screen in the city’s Millennium Square. David Fryer, from Thorner, near Leeds, said: ‘I think it’s been an amazing event.

‘If there’s anything the Brits can do it’s pomp and ceremony and pageantry. We’ve demonstrated that again.’

Mr Fryer said: ‘There was one little blip in the proceedings where the Archbishop of wherever he was from just went on and on and on and on. I thought ‘that’s not British pomp and ceremony and circumstance’.’

He said: ‘Look at this. It’s absolutely fantastic. Nobody can do it like the British can do it.’

Josephine Teale, who lives in Leeds city centre, dressed up in a special red, white and blue outfit. She said: ‘I love Harry and Meghan. I wanted to celebrate their celebration.

‘They are a wonderful couple, absolutely magic. They’re just a breath of fresh air into the royal family and it’s a fantastic day to celebrate their happiness.’

She said: ‘I thought they looked happy. They looked like they could not wait for it to be over so they could go and party.’

Crowds across the Midlands gathered at a number of street parties to celebrate the royal wedding. Many fans of the royal family came out in bright sunshine to watch proceedings while dressed in Union flag hats and waving flags.

In Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, the Trent Valley District Association Camping and Caravanning Club decorated their caravans in red, white and blue bunting as well as flags and pictures of Prince Harry and Meghan.

More than 50 families sat on camping chairs in a large marquee to follow proceedings on a big screen. Throughout the ceremony, many waved their flags and sang along to Stand By Me and the national anthem.

Loud cheers greeted the moment Harry and Meghan were pronounced husband and wife, and another when they kissed on the steps outside the chapel. 

After the service, food and drink was laid out for a tea party to celebrate the wedding. Stella Harrison, of Nottingham, said: ‘I thought it was a beautiful day, a beautiful wedding. It was quite emotional, I cried quite a bit.’

Jo Down, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, said: ‘I thought she looked simply stunning. They seemed very much in love. That’s the bit that got me.’

Earlier, Lulu Gwynne, the owner of the 1920s-style Betty Blythe cafe in Hammersmith, West London, which is hosting a street party, said: ‘Our street party is going to be very busy.

‘We have been inundated with enquiries and bookings via the website and social media. We have attracted a global audience with some guests coming from as far as Japan. It is going to be truly splendid day.’

Many councils have waived fees for street party road closures for neighbours who want to string up the bunting and lay out the party food, and the BBC has waived the licence fee for communities wanting to watch it together.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said about 60 applications for road closures have been made in Bromley, South East London, along with 12 in Reading, Berkshire. 

Hertfordshire County Council said it has received 51 applications, with 28 local couples due to marry on the royal wedding day.

In Nottinghamshire, 27 streets are expected to be closed for parties, with events including a mock wedding, where youngsters will dress up as the bride and groom as they parade on a decorated cart pulled by a Shetland pony.

Skipton Town Hall is hosting an indoor street party, while bunting will be up in East London’s Mile End park, where residents have been invited to bring along a picnic and enjoy fairground rides, sporting activities and a bungee run.

But some royal wedding parties could be hit by a bunting shortage after retailers reported selling out due to high demand.

Party Pieces, the website set up by the Duchess of Cambridge’s parents, has sold out of its red, white and blue bunting sets.

Meanwhile John Lewis’s website has sold out of its £6.99 ‘Ginger Ray Royal Wedding Royalty Union Jack Bunting’.

A spokesman said the retailer had seen a surge in sales of partyware in the run-up to today’s wedding, but that there were still some stocks in stores despite selling out on JohnLewis.com.

Lisa Rutherford, buyer at John Lewis, said: ‘Over the past week sales of our royal wedding party decorations, napkins, plates and cups have increased 279 per cent on the previous week.

‘In total we expect to sell over 22,000 royal wedding-related products from china mugs to party napkins and tea towels.’

Bunting will be one of the most popular decorations for the millions of households across the country expected to celebrate today’s wedding with garden barbecues and street parties.

Party Pieces also sold out of square union jack paper plates while Lakeland sold out of its £2.99 union jack napkins. Shoppers also reported sellouts at other stores online. 

One disappointed Waitrose shopper posted on social media: ‘What a poor show. Popped into my local expecting to find some Royal Wedding themed stock, red white & blue cakes, napkins, bunting etc. NADA. Oh dear.’

A tiny Scottish village that shares its name with the bride, the hamlet of Markle in East Lothian, has decorated the village sign with ribbon and paper hearts ahead of a street party.

In Windsor, even the animals have been getting involved when Battersea rescue dogs were the guests of honour at a street party.

Those wanting to continue the celebrations into the night can enjoy an extra two hours in the pub thanks to extended licensing hours.

Pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 1am instead of closing at 11pm, as was allowed for the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016 and the football World Cup in 2014.