The Official Wedding Photos

 

The New Royals

 

What honeymoon? A weekend

away then it’s back to work for

 Wills on Monday

 

By Rob Cooper
William and Kate spent first night together at Buckingham Palace

• Couple will go on honeymoon later – but date and destination is a secret
• Newlyweds expected to spend weekend at Balmoral

Newlyweds William and Kate will not go on honeymoon this weekend – and Prince William will be back at work on Monday.

The couple, who flew out of Buckingham Palace this morning, will spend the weekend together at a private location in the UK.

The Prince will return to his job as a search and rescue helicopter pilot next week before the couple finally jet off on their overseas honeymoon at a later date.

 

 

Newly-weds: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace as they prepare to board a helicopter to fly off on their honeymoon

 

 

 

 

 

Royal honeymoon: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, fly off from Buckingham Palace this morning

After spending their first night as a married couple together at the Palace, they walked out of the Palace casually dressed hand in hand this morning.

It had been thought they would take two weeks off for the traditional post-wedding break.

But it appears they want some private time in familiar surroundings after one of the most important days in their life saw their marriage celebrated by the nation and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Middleton posed for photos looking happy and relaxed outside the Goring Hotel this morning and bore no signs of the after-effects of last night’s celebrations.

Mr Middleton told the gathered crowd “We had a wonderful time” before the family returned home without any fuss or ceremony.

 They arrived back at their home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, in three separate cars with Kate’s brother, James, leading the way.

Without so much as a Union flag in sight, the 23-year-old bachelor turned a black BMW 3 series estate into their private drive at about 3.15pm.

Wearing an open-necked shirt and looking bleary-eyed, the only reception he received today was from two policemen guarding the house.

It was in sharp contrast to the scenes in Bucklebury yesterday when local people turned out in force to celebrate the wedding.

James was quickly followed by Kate’s mother Carole and sister Pippa, in a Land Rover Freelander, who beamed as they drove into the driveway.

Carole looked fairly fresh faced and wore a white top with blue trimming, while Pippa sported a large pair of Armani sunglasses but smiled broadly in a royal blue cardigan.

Maid of honour Pippa Middleton and her mother Carole emerge from the Goring Hotel today after last night’s wedding celebration.

The Evening Reception at Buckingham Palace

It’s party time! Kate and William

leave Clarence House for wedding

 reception

 By Daily Mail Reporter
www.dailymail.co.uk

 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Clarence House tonight for the short trip to Buckingham Palace for their wedding party.

Some 300 of the couple’s closest family and friends will celebrate with dancing and dinner at the black tie do, which will stretch into the early hours.

The Queen has given over the home to the wedding celebration as revellers including the couple’s close friends Guy Pelly and Thomas Van Straubenzee attend. 

Kate, in her gown for the evening, leaves Clarence House alongside Camilla Parker Bowles for the short journey to Buckingham Palace

 

The Duchess had switched into a new white outfit for the party – also created by Sarah Burton who designed her wedding gown.

The second dress is a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist, St James’s Palace said.

Kate was also wearing a white angora bolero cardigan.

The couple left with Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. The royal party looked happy and relaxed.

 

 

 

Kate’s second dress is a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist. William stuck to the safe bet of a dinner jacket and bow tie

 

 

 

 

The heir to the throne and his son, the new Duke of Cambridge, were dressed in dinner jackets with black bow ties.

Kate had her hair down in her favourite style for the private party.

Camilla wore a light blue hand-embroidered high-collared floor length Anna Valentine dress for the evening.

The new Duchess’s family had left the Goring Hotel shortly before 7.30pm.

A happy and relaxed William made the short journey along The Mall in a Jaguar car with Prince Charles and Camilla closely behind

Her sister Pippa had changed from her bridesmaid dress into a long emerald green sleeveless dress with a jewelled embellishment on the front and a plunging neckline.

Her hair was pinned up at the back and she was carrying a clutch bag.

Kate’s mother Carole Middleton smiled after stumbling slightly as she came down the stairs at the hotel and her son James placed a guiding hand on her back as she climbed into a silver people carrier.

Mrs Middleton wore a black capped sleeve dress, cut low at the front and back, with a tiered skirt.
The bride’s father and brother wore black tuxedos with bow ties.

The Aston Martin Newlyweds

 

Just (wed) William! Prince drives

 his new bride away from the

Palace in a vintage Aston after

 balcony kiss thrills the crowds

 

 

By Rob Cooper
Last updated at 8:48 PM on 29th April 2011 www.dailymail.co.uk

 

• 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

 

After a 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.

It was 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.

 

Prince William emerges from Buckingham Palace in his 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

The Wedding Cake and brunch menu

The Cake and the Menu! What the Royal Wedding Party Is Eating Right Now

by Sarah Ball

Vanity Fair

By John Stillwell/WPA Pool/Getty Images.
That’s the wedding cake! It’s eight tiers, designed by Fiona Cairns, and decorated using a style known as the “Joseph Lambeth Method”—so, it’s probably not Funfetti. There are 17 different varieties of floral motifs on it, including the white rose (the symbol of England), the daffodil (the symbol of Wales), the shamrock (the symbol of Ireland), and the thistle (the symbol of Scotland). For a look at other, many-tiered royal wedding cakes, see our survey of history’s best. As for the savory offerings that the wedding attendees are enjoying right now at Buckingham Palace, read on—we’ve taken the liberty of arranging them from least to most British-sounding.

23. Roulade of Goats Cheese with Caramelised Walnuts
22. White Chocolate Ganache Truffle
21. Milk Chocolate Praline with Nuts
20. Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffle
19. Passion Fruit Praline
18. Blood Orange Paté de Fruit
17. Gateau Opera
16. Rhubarb Crème Brulee Tartlet
15. Assortment of Palmiers and Cheese Straws
14. Scottish Langoustines with Lemon Mayonnaise Pressed Confit of Pork Belly with Crayfish and Crackling
13. Wild Mushroom and Celeriac Chausson
12. Raspberry Financier
11. Scottish Smoked Salmon Rose on Beetroot Blini
10. Quails Eggs with Celery Salt
9. Cornish Crab Salad on Lemon Blini
8. Pressed Duck Terrine with Fruit Chutney
7. Miniature Watercress and Asparagus Tart
6. Cornish Crab Salad on Lemon Blini
5. Grain Mustard and Honey-glazed Chipolatas
4. Poached Asparagus Spears with Hollandaise Sauce for Dipping
3. Miniature Yorkshire Pudding with Roast Fillet of Beef and Horseradish Mousse
2. Smoked Haddock Fishcake with Pea Guacamole
1. Bubble and Squeak with Confit Shoulder of Lamb

The Queen’s Halo Tiara for Kate!

Royal-Wedding Jewelry: Kate Middleton Wears the Cartier Halo Tiara

by Rebecca Sacks

Vanity Fair

Middleton. By Ben Stansall/Getty Images.Kate Middleton chose to wear the Cartier “halo” tiara, which was made in 1936 and purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI) for his wife, Elizabeth’s mother (also Elizabeth). Queen Elizabeth received it as an 18th-birthday present, at which time she was Princess Elizabeth. The delicate headpiece, which is as understated as a headband of diamonds can be, was lent to Kate by the Queen, though there’s a chance she’ll come into one of her own soon: the Queen’s 1981 wedding gift to Diana was the Cambridge Lovers’ Knot Tiara. Diana wore a Spencer-family tiara to her wedding.

Kate’s earrings, custom-made by Robinson Pelham to match her tiara, were a present from her parents. The earrings, with acorn motifs, was inspired by the fresh, new Middleton-family crest. Pelham also designed the more floral earrings worn by the other lady in white—maid of honor Pippa Middleton.

Kate’s wedding ring, which seemed to have given William a bit of difficulty in the slipping on, is a band of Welsh gold by Wartski, which also crafted Welsh-gold wedding bands for Prince Charles and Camilla

William and his Princess

Meet my Princess! William and his new bride Kate head for the Palace in open top carriage after a fairytale wedding at the Abbey

 

• Highest rank for Wills the Duke, as Kate becomes his Duchess
• Now here’s the showbiz royalty… Victoria goes for minimalistic navy for Royal Wedding while David looks sharp in black suit

After months of waiting, William and Kate finally tied the knot at Westminster Abbey today. She arrived clutching the hand of her father Michael as her sister and maid of honour Pippa held the long rain on her flowing dress. As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate’s finger. An estimated one million people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of them.

A Royal Wedding for the 21st Century

‘You look beautiful’: What William

 

whispered to radiant Kate as she

 

arrived at the Abbey in a fairytale

 

dress for a fairytale wedding…

 

By Rob Cooper

• Couple will travel from Abbey to the Palace in an open-topped carriage
• Two BILLION people to watch wedding today
• 5,000 royals enthusiasts camped out overnight at the Mall
• Hundreds of thousands line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple

After months of waiting, Kate Middleton and Prince William today tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.

Wearing a flowing wedding dress with a long train and lace sleeves, Kate clutched a bunch of white flowers as she embarked on the short drive to Westminster Abbey, before starting her three-minute walk up the aisle to be with her groom.

As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate’s finger.

 

‘You look beautiful’: Prince William speaks to his bride Kate as she holds her father’s hand at the altar

 

Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange rings in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury during the ceremony

 

Kate Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton to join Prince William and his best man Harry at the altar

 

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

 

Kate Middleton and her father, Michael, travel in a Rolls Royce to Westminster Abbey

 

Kate Middleton waves as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton to the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding

 

Brilliant in white: Kate Middleton is taken up the aisle by her proud father Michael

 

 

He’s here: Prince William, left, arrives at Westminster Abbey next to his proud younger brother and best man Harry with two billion people watching

 

First glimpse: Prince William gets out of his Bentley and walks into the Abbey – and waits for Kate

 

Proud father: Prince Charles arrives with William’s stepmother Camilla

 

 

Showbiz royalty: David Beckham, wearing his OBE on his lapel, centre, and his wife Victoria arrive at the west door of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for the 11am ceremony

 

 

THE COMMONER BECOMES A DUCHESS ON HER WEDDING DAY

The Queen has made William the Duke of Cambridge to mark his wedding day and Kate Middleton a Duchess, Buckingham Palace announced.

William also became the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, which means Kate will become the Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.

As well as a duchess, Miss Middleton is also technically Princess William of Wales.

According to protocol, she is not officially Princess Catherine as she was not born a princess in her own right.

Instead she adopts her husband’s first name, in the same way as Princess Michael of Kent, who married the Queen’s cousin Prince Michael of Kent.

All titles are in the gift of the Queen and it was up to the monarch to choose which one to bestow on her grandson and his new wife.

But William’s thoughts will also have been taken into account by the royal matriarch in a private discussion between the Prince and his grandmother.

Tradition dictates that royal men receive a title on their wedding – and often more than one.

But to the relief of all, he finally slipped the wedding band on and the ceremony passed without a hitch.

Earlier thousands of people filled the streets of London as royalty, leading politicians and top names from the showbiz world filed into the Abbey for the wedding of the century.

At 10.10am Prince William and his brother Harry left Clarence House, both in full military uniform for the short drive. He was later followed by his bride who had successfully managed to keep her wedding dress a secret from the world.

Kate Middleton today left behind her commoner roots to become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge after marrying Prince William.

The royal couple officially became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after tying the knot. Prince William has also become the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.

David and Victoria Beckham, Guy Ritchie and Chelsy Davy were among the 1,900 guests in Westminster Abbey this morning.

There were squeals of joy from the crowd when Beckham waved to the crowd as he arrived. He was wearing a Ralph Lauren morning suit with the OBE he received in 2003 pinned to the right lapel, with his hair slicked back.

His wife, who is pregnant with their fourth child, wore a dark blue dress she designed herself accessorised with a hat by celebrated milliner Philip Treacy.

 

Prince Charles and Camilla followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip walk down the red carpet at Westminster Abbey

 

 

Kate walks up the aisle, holding her father’s hand, with Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton supporting her dress, left. Right, a smiling Kate waves to the crowds outside the Abbey

William’s close Eton friend Harry Meade was seen queuing to get into the abbey, as guests waited to take their seats.

On The Mall crowds waved flags and cheered when the Band of the Coldstream Guards marched down toward the Duke of York Steps.

Playing hits such as Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, the 44-member band got spectators moving their feet.

The band was directed by Lieutenant Colonel Graham Jones alongside Drum Major Scott Fitzgerald. The historic band has been in existence for more than 200 years.

After William and Kate marry today, the pair will travel from Westminster Abbey to the Palace in an open-topped carriage despite forecasters saying earlier that there is a risk of rain.

 

Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster, adorned with trees, as the congregation sing

 

Bridesmaids and page boys: Tom Pettifer laughs as he arrives with Master William Lowther-Pinkerton, Lady Louise Windsor and Margarita Armstrong-Jones

 

The Queen and Prince Philip take their seats

The day is here: A military band perform as they march on the Mall this morning hours before William and Kate marry at Westminster Abbey

 

Pippa Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey with three bridesmaids and two page boys

 

The nation’s grandmother: The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding

The heavens are not expected to open until this afternoon – so William and Kate should stay dry as they arrive at the Palace.

The couple will pass the cheering crowds in The Mall after their wedding ceremony in a 1902 State Landau that was used by Charles and Diana 30 years ago.

 

Waiting time: Prince William and his brother Harry walk into the Abbey to wait for the commoner bride Kate Middleton to arrive

 

Proudest moment: Kate’s mother Carole Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey after a last minute change of outfit

Samantha Cameron, centre, wearing a figure-hugging green outfit stands next to her husband Prime Minister David Cameron, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, right

 

Wedding greetings: Prince William and his best man brother arrive at the Abbey

 

 

 

After weeks of rehearsals, the ceremonial guards perform prior to the Royal Wedding today

 

Earl Spencer talks to guests inside Westminster Abbey where guests were mingling ahead of the 11am ceremony

 

Guests arrive: There was almost a party atmosphere inside Westminster Abbey as guests mingled before Kate arrives later

Bridesmaids Lady Louise Windsor, seven, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones, eight, arrived five minutes later, accompanied by pageboy Tom Pettifer, eight, were among the first to arrive at the Abbey.

Last night, wearing a polka-dot dress, the bride-to-be, accompanied by her sister Pippa and mother Carole, waved to the huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia last night as she enjoyed her last night as a single lady.

5,000 people camped out along the Mall hoping to get a good sight of the couple when they pass in the open topped vehicle later this morning.

 

More…

• Keep it under your hat, but this could be wedding dress designer: Mystery woman dodges into Kate’s hotel
• The skateboarding, punk-loving boy from Harlem, New York, who will protect the Queen at the Royal Wedding
• Let the rip-offs begin: Meet the designer in a royal rush to copy Kate Middleton’s wedding gown
• Beatrice is the star of royal red carpet in white tulle and sequins at the Queen’s pre-wedding gala dinner
• Kate arrives to cheers from thousands camped outside Abbey for final rehearsal as order of service reveals she WON’T ‘obey’ Wills
• Police swoop on squatters ‘planning to disrupt Royal Wedding’ as central London is locked down
• Pride of Britain! The two Princes don full military uniforms for the big day
• Here comes the groom: William goes on a final walkabout as a single man as he greets fans on the eve of his wedding
• The little ones with big roles to rehearse
• When to see that dress and where to watch that kiss
• Highest rank for Wills the Duke, as Kate becomes his Duchess

 

With showers forecast for the wedding day there had been fears an enclosed carriage would be used.

The decision means tens of thousands of spectators will get a good view of the couple. If it had been raining the couple would have travelled along the one-and-a-half mile route to the palace in a Glass Coach.

Prince Harry, William’s best man, and Pippa Middleton, Kate’s sister and maid of honour, will follow in two separate Ascot Landau carriages with the young bridesmaids and page boys.

 

 

Princes William and Harry arrive in Westminster Abbey for the wedding

 

Trees have been put up inside the Abbey to give it an outdoor feel. This morning there was a party atmosphere inside as they waited for William and Kate

 

 

Chelsy Davy arrives for the wedding, left, and right, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson seen leaving her London home

 

 

 

Final preparations: Police officers walk down The Mall this morning ahead of the wedding at Westminster Abbey

 

 

Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam, wearing a dazzling polka-dot dress, arrive at Westminster Abbey, right. Inside, left, some guests mingle

 

Early start: Spectators line the route the royal carriage will take from Westminster Abbey to the Palace later. There will be 1,900 guests at the ceremony

 

Here come the guests: The first of the 1,900 people with invitations to the service arrive. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown will not be there

The second procession will be the Sovereign’s Escort mounted by four squadrons from the Household Cavalry.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will ride 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 will be Cleveland Bays, the only British breed of carriage horse, but for the Queen and the newlyweds Windsor greys will be used – traditionally reserved for the monarch.

Last night a beaming Kate showed no sign of nerves ahead of her marriage today to Prince William.

 

Prince William, centre, and his brother, are greeted by Receiver General Stephen Lamport. They walk up the aisle together where they wait for Kate

And royal fans had an extra treat last night as her husband-to-be greeted well-wishers along The Mall.

Prince William, accompanied by his brother Harry, shook hands and chatted with the crowd near Clarence House.

Yesterday morning, Kate was greeted by cheers at the abbey as she was joined by best man Prince Harry – as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family – for one last run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2 billion people round the globe.

Later on, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and those camping out ahead of today’s event during an impromptu walkabout.

 

 

Huge support: Royal supporters wait along the processional route hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple as they make their way to the Abbey

 

 

First people arrive: The 1,900 wedding guests are arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service scheduled for 11am

 

A BRITISH FEEL TO THE CEREMONY

The bride will walk up the aisle to the dramatic sounds of a coronation anthem – the soaring choral masterpiece ‘I was glad’ by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.

It was composed for the crowning of Prince William’s great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902, but is also popular at weddings.

As the choir begins to sing, the bride will begin her three and a half minute procession through the Nave and Quire to meet her Prince on her father’s arm.

The newlyweds will leave the Abbey to the sounds of the well-known rousing orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton, which was also played at Charles and Diana’s wedding.

The three hymns – ‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer’, ‘Love divine, all loves excelling’ and Jerusalem which begins ‘And did those feet in ancient time’ – are all favourites of the couple.

When asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day, the duchess said: ‘We’re all ready for tomorrow – it’s wonderful and all very exciting!

‘There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.’   

The journalist who carried out the couple’s engagement interview said they were attempting to ‘block out the terror of having two billion people’ watching them.

In a personal message to well-wishers, the couple said they were ‘incredibly moved’ by the affection shown to them since their engagement in the official wedding programme.

Normally it falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury to write the introductory message, but the couple broke with tradition.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said: ‘The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.’

Following in the footsteps of Diana, Miss Middleton will not promise to ‘obey’ Prince William in her vows.

With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will say ‘With this ring I thee wed’ as he places the golden band on Kate’s finger.

Yesterday the Syrian ambassador was told he is no longer invited after the slaughterings following the uprisings.

 

David and Victoria Beckham talk to Guy Ritchie inside Westminster Abbey as they wait for William and Kate to arrive

 

 

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During today’s marriage ceremony there will be one Lesson, which the couple have asked Miss Middleton’s younger brother James to read.

William’s father the Prince of Wales his stepmother Camilla, Kate’s parents Carole and Michael and her sister Pippa will all act as witnesses and sign the marriage registers during the ceremony. 

After a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace, the Queen will leave – and miss Harry’s best man speech and the evening party.

She will head out of the capital with the Duke of Edinburgh for a private weekend, leaving the newlyweds to party the night away at a black tie evening reception with their friends.

 

 

Arrivals: His wife Sally towering above him in her high heels, House of Commons speaker John Bercow arrives at Westminster Abbey, right. left, Ben Fogle and Marina Fogle

 

 

Family arrive: Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith leaves his west London home in a £280,000 Rolls Royce Phantom convertible, left, and Miss Middleton’s brother James leaves the Goring hotel, right

 

 

Security operation: A man is restrained by police officers outside Westminster Abbey this morning as a huge ring of steel is thrown up around the capital

Waiting is over: Union Flags in The Mall this morning ready for the newly-married William and Kate to marry later

 

Tent city: 5,000 people slept on The Mall to guarantee the best spots along the wedding route, including this man curled up in his sleeping bag

Buckingham Palace said the Queen would hear a number of speeches at the lunchtime canapes reception for 650 guests, including family, friends, foreign royals, dignitaries and charity workers.

She will see the bride and groom cutting their lavish multi-tiered wedding cake.

As final preparations get underway, rain had been threatening to put a dampener on the big day. However, by choosing the open carriage, William and Kate appear confident that the heavens won’t open on them.

Alison Cobb, a meteorologist with Meteogroup, said yesterday there was a ‘real risk’ of Kate Middleton being rained on as she steps from her limousine at 11am to enter Westminster Abbey on her father’s arm.

Yesterday a new close-up shot of the couple was released with the pair wearing matching open-necked white shirts as they smile broadly, with Kate leaning towards William.

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

Prince William, Kate to be Duke,

Duchess of Cambridge

Phil Noble / Reuters

Prince William and Kate Middleton, seen here in Wales in February, will now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

By Rachel Elbaum

Most grandmothers give gifts of china or bed linens, but on Prince William’s wedding day he has received a dukedom from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.

The prince will now be known as the Duke of Cambridge, and has also received the titles Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.  A duke is the highest rank below that of monarch in the British nobility.

 Kate will be known as the Duchess of Cambridge. The title has not been in use since 1981, and was originally created in 1801. Kate will officially become Princess William of Wales, although this title will not be used.

As a royal tradition, it was largely expected that the queen would confer a dukedom to William upon his marriage. Since William announced his engagement, there has been a guessing game in the press as to the title he would receive. Other possibilities included the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. Queen Elizabeth could also have created a new title for her grandson.

Reportedly, William’s uncle Prince Edward was going to be given the title of Duke of Cambridge – that is until he watched Shakespeare in Love, which had a character called the Earl of Wessex.  He liked the sound of it and requested that title instead.

And here’s a little-known fact about a previous holder of this title: The second duke of Cambridge, Prince Adolphus Frederick, was the seventh son of King George III. A true romantic, he defied the Royal Marriage Act, and married his mistress, Sarah Louisa Fairbrother, an actress and a commoner, in 1847. Since the marriage wasn’t legal, his children were all illegitimate.

KATE’S FINAL DAY AS A SINGLE WOMAN AND COMMONER

A regal wave: Kate arrives with sister and mother at their London hotel to spend final night as a single woman… and as a commoner

 By Daily Mail Reporter
After a final rehearsal at Westminster Abbey, Kate Middleton arrived this evening at the Goring Hotel, where her family are staying ahead of her marriage to Prince William tomorrow.

Wearing a polka-dot dress, the bride-to-be, accompanied by her sister Pippa and mother Carole, waved to the huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia.

A beaming Kate showed no sign of nerves as she prepares to spend her final night as a single woman – and a commoner.

And royal fans had an extra treat tonight as her husband-to-be greeted well-wishers along The Mall.

Now scroll down to see the video

 

Here come the Middletons: Pippa, Kate and mother Carole smile to the crowds as they arrive at the Goring Hotel ahead of Kate’s marriage to Prince William tomorrow

 

Almost there: Kate Middleton and her family receive huge cheers in Belgravia this evening ahead of her wedding at Westminster Abbey

 

 

 

I’m getting married in the morning: The bride-to-be waves to the crowds as she prepares to spend her final night as a single woman and a commoner

 

A family affair: Kate outside the Goring Hotel with her sister Pippa and mother Carole this evening

Prince William, accompanied by his brother Harry, shook hands and chatted with the crowd near Clarence House.

Earlier today, Kate was greeted by cheers at the abbey as she was joined by best man Prince Harry – as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family – for one last run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2billion people round the globe.

The practice took place as it was revealed Miss Middleton will not promise to ‘obey’ Prince William in her vows.

 

 

It’s really happening: Kate reacts to well-wishers outside her hotel

Today thousands of royal fans had set up tents outside the Abbey where there was a carnival atmosphere.

As Kate arrived this morning, a huge cheer went up from the royal fans who have been arriving from round the globe.

Waving their Union flags, the crowds greeted the passing Household Cavalry this morning before the bride-to-be arrived for a last run-through.

It is the last time Miss Middleton or a member of the Royal Family will be at the abbey before the service gets under way tomorrow, St James’s Palace said.

 

Prince William greets well-wishers along The Mall ahead of his wedding

 

 

The happy prince: Kate’s husband-to-be clearly enjoyed chatting with his fans

 

 

Best man: Prince Harry joined his brother on the stroll near Clarence House

 

One more night: The bride-to-be and her sister Pippa were all smiles as the big day approaches

 

 

Soon to have a prince in the family: Pippa and Carole in Belgravia this evening

 

 

Later on, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and those camping out ahead of tomorrow’s event during an impromptu walkabout.

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.’  

 

Flying the flag: The Duchess of Cornwall greets royal fans as she arrives at Clarence House earlier today

Walkabout: The Duchess of Cornwall spoke to royal fans who are camping overnight on The Mall

New picture: This portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton by celebrated photographer Mario Testino was published in the official programme

Today the journalist who carried out the couple’s engagement interview said they were attempting to ‘block out the terror of having two billion people’ watching them tomorrow.

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.

Tomorrow modern-thinking Miss Middleton will pledge to ‘love, comfort, honour and keep’ William.

 

Kate Middleton and Prince Harry at the Abbey this morning for the last run-through. Two billion people are expected to watch the ceremony tomorrow

 

 

 

 

Mike Tindall, who is due to marry Zara Phillips in July, arrives at Clarence House

The soon-to-be royal is following in the footsteps of the Prince’s mother Diana who also opted not to ‘obey’ the Prince of Wales during their wedding ceremony in 1981.

The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Princess Royal all said they would obey their husbands.

 

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William and his fiancee have selected the Series One Book of Common Prayer ceremony, from 1966, which allows the bride to drop ‘obey him’ and ‘serve him’ from the religious proceedings.

With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will say ‘With this ring I thee wed’ as he places the golden band on Kate’s finger.

 

Last practice: Kate Middleton, with her mother Carole and Prince Harry, gets into a Jaguar and leaves Westminster Abbey this morning after a final run through. The next time she will be back there will be for the wedding

 

Grinning bride: A smiling Kate Middleton, right, arrives at Westminster Abbey for the last run through. Left, her sister Pippa enters with bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem

Page boy: William Lowther-Pinkerton, 10, arrives at Westminster Abbey for the rehearsal this morning

The task of writing a message at the start of the official programme usually falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The wrote that they were deeply touched by people’s reactions as they prepare for ‘one of the happiest days of our lives’, they said.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said: ‘The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.’

The signatures ‘William’ and ‘Catherine’ can be seen underneath the heartfelt message.

The programme also contains a hand-drawn colour map of the carriage procession route, as well as the history of the abbey and details of William and Kate’s coats of arms.

It includes a brief history of past Royal Weddings at the abbey, where William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.

It declares: ‘More than a millennium after the first William made his solemn oath, the abbey hosts another William and his bride for a further moment of great solemnity, but one of great joy as well.’

Some 150,000 copies of the A5 booklet, costing £2 each, will be made available along the processional route on the wedding day by a team of military cadets and Explorer Scouts.

 

By Royal Appointment: Page boy Tom Pettifer, eight, and Lady Louise Windsor arrive for the rehearsals this morning

Last hours: Kate Middleton and Prince Harry leaves Westminster Abbey with family and friends this morning just a day before the ceremony after the final run through

Enlarge   Official programme: William and Kate said in their message at the start of the keepsake that they would like ‘to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness’

 

The royal wedding procession has been planned down to the finest detail

As final rehearsals are carried out, the Syrian ambassador was told he is not invited after the slaughterings.

The dramatic announcement came amid mounting fury that a representative of Middle Eastern despot President Bashar Assad was to attend.

Tomorrow the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will conduct the vows, before pronouncing the couple ‘man and wife’.

There will be one Lesson during the service, which the couple have asked Miss Middleton’s younger brother James to read.

 

In the mood: David Cameron takes a stroll along The Mall and meets well-wishers

 

 

Happy memories: The Prime Minister also re-visited the spot where he camped out at for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981

After a lunchtime reception, the Queen will leave Buckingham Palace – and miss Harry’s best man speech and the evening party.

She will head out of the capital with the Duke of Edinburgh for a private weekend, leaving the newlyweds to party the night away at a black tie evening reception with their friends.

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.

A message from the royal couple in the souvenir programme says: ‘We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives.