Over 1900 guests were assembled in the historic cathedral to watch the ceremony, with another two billion viewing worldwide, wait in great anticipation for the arrival of the bride.

Over 1900 guests were assembled in the historic cathedral to watch the ceremony, with another two billion viewing worldwide, wait in great anticipation for the arrival of the bride.

The 29-year-old Kate Middleton pulled up to the Abbey in a Rolls-Royce with her father just before 11am local time.

Kate’s dress, designed by Sarah Burton, the British creative director of the Alexander McQueen label, featured a 2m 70cm train that flowed on the red carpet as Kate walked up with her father, Michael.

William had arrived 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony, dressed in a bright red British army tunic cut by a blue sash and accompanied by his brother and best man, Prince Harry.

Prior to the wedding service, Buckingham Palace announced new titles for the William and Kate as Duke of Cambridge and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge respectively.

The college sweethearts are expected to one day become the King and Queen of England.

The title, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus were also given to William along with Kate’s title as Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.

Among the prominent guests at the historic Abbey were soccer star David Beckham and his wife; Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson; singer Elton John and his partner, David Furnish and director Guy Ritchie.

Kate and William gently held right hands and stared into each other’s eyes as they exchange vow in the ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

For Kate, there was no promise to obey, instead she pledged to "love, comfort, honor and keep him."

When it came time to place Kate’s thin gold band on her hand, William struggled slightly and she helped him tug it into place.

Only one ring was exchanged – made from ore that came from Clogau St David’s mine at Bontddu in North Wales and was given to William as an engagement present from the Queen.

William, who wears a signet ring, chose not to wear a wedding ring.

The approximately hour-long ceremony included such musical pieces as the popular hymn Jerusalem, the traditional English melody Greensleeves and works by Edward Elgar and Benjamin Britten.

William also chose to include Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, which was sung during his mother, Princess Diana’s, funeral service in 1997.

Following the service, William and Kate stepped into a private part of the Abbey briefly to sign three marriage registers, accompanied by their witnesses – Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, her parents, Carole and Michael, and their siblings, Harry and Pippa.

A hour later, the newlywed couple walked down the red-carpet
POST: 2024-11-24