‘I Will’: Watch All the Best Moments From the Royal Wedding
- Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:31am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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LONDON (AP) — With a smile that lit up TV screens around the world, Kate Middleton swept down the aisle to marry Prince William in a union expected to revitalize the British monarchy. Hundreds of thousands then cheered as the royal couple rode an open carriage to Buckingham Palace.
Even with millions of people tuning in to watch, the couple managed to appear at times in their own private world Friday, both at Westminster Abbey and on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. William whispered to Kate, who radiated contentment and joy, as they pledged their lives to one another at the church with the simple words “I will.”
They then delivered two – not one – sweet, self-conscious kisses on the balcony, with William blushing deeply at the highly anticipated event. Within moments, a flyby of vintage and modern Royal Air Force planes roared overhead.
The biggest secret of the day – Middleton’s wedding gown – prompted swoons of admiration as she stepped out of a Rolls-Royce with her father at the abbey. Against all odds, the sun broke through steely gray skies at that exact moment.
Her ivory-and-white satin dress – with its plunging neckline, long lacy shoulders and sleeves and a train over 2-meters (yards) long – was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. Middleton’s hair was half-up, half-down, decorated with dramatic veil and a tiara on loan from Queen Elizabeth II.
“It’s a dream,” said Jennie Bond, a leading British monarchy expert and royal wedding consultant for The Associated Press. “It is a beautiful laced soft look, which is extremely elegant. She looked stunning.”
William, second-in-line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles, wore the scarlet tunic of an Irish Guards officer, reinforcing his new image as a dedicated military man. The couple’s first royal wedding present came from the queen: the titles of duke and duchess of Cambridge.
Floods of well-wishers – as well as some protesters – packed central London, around Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and other landmarks beginning at dawn, despite cool temperatures and the threat of rain. Cheers erupted as huge television screens began broadcasting at Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park.
“Will, it’s not too late!” read one sign held aloft by an admirer dressed as a bride.
Maid of honor Pippa Middleton wore a simple column dress and naturally styled hair, while best man Prince Harry was dressed in formal military attire. The flower girls, in cream dresses with full skirts and flowers in their hair, walked down hand-in-hand with Pippa.
The iconic abbey was airy and calm, the long aisle leading to the altar lined with maple and hornbeam trees as light streamed in through the high arched windows. The soft green trees framed the couple against the red carpet as they walked down the aisle, having recited their vows without stumbling before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
The royal couple smiled broadly as they were driven to Buckingham Palace in the open-topped State Landau, a carriage built in 1902, escorted by four white horses and followed by scarlet-clad troops on horseback.
The palace was holding two parties, one hosted by the queen for 650 guests, and an evening dinner dance for 300 close friends. The queen and her husband have promised to go away for the evening, leaving the younger royals free to party the night away- and Harry to make his best man‘s speech away from his octogenarian grandparents’ ears.
British singer Ellie Goulding, 24, is reportedly going to perform, and rumors have it that Harry has even planned a breakfast for those with the stamina to dance all night.
Plumage of Amazonian variety filled the cavernous abbey as some 1,900 guests filed in, the vast majority of women in hats, some a full two feet (half a meter) across or high. Some looked like dinner plates, and one woman wore a bright red fascinator that resembled a flame licking her cheek. A BBC commentator noted there were some “very odd (fashion) choices” walking through the abbey door.
Most men, however, looked elegant and suave in long tails, some highlighted by formal plaid pants and vests. Others wore military uniforms.
The queen, of course, wore a soft yellow hat and coat dress, just like the bookies had predicted.
All the details – the wedding dress, her hair, their titles, the romantic kiss on the balcony, the honeymoon – were finally being answered. But the biggest question won’t be resolved for years: Will this royal couple live happily ever after?
Will their union endure like that of William’s grandparents – Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, now in its 64th year – or crumble in a spectacular and mortifying fashion like that of his own parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana?
Recent history augurs badly: The first marriages of three of the queen’s four children ended in divorce. But William and Kate seem to glow with happiness in each other’s company, and unlike Charles and Diana they’ve had eight years to figure out that they want to be together.
Still, the fate of their marriage depends on private matters impossible for the public to gauge, since any wedding is fundamentally about two people. Will their lives together, starting with such high hopes, be blessed by good fortune, children, good health, productive work?
Much will depend on whether 28-year-old William and 29-year-old Kate can summon the things every couple needs: patience, love, wit and wisdom. But they face the twin burdens of fame and scrutiny. Money, power, beauty – it can all go wrong if not carefully nurtured.
These are the thorny issues upon which the fate of the monarchy rests, as the remarkable queen, now 85, inevitably ages and declines.
Hundreds of street parties were under way as Britons celebrated the heritage that makes them unique – and overseas visitors come to witness traditions they’ve admired from afar.
Brenda Hunt-Stevenson, a 56-year-old retired teacher from Newfoundland, Canada, said there was only one thing on her mind. “I want to see that kiss on that balcony. That’s going to clinch it for me. I don’t care what Kate wears. She is beautiful anyway.”
The celebration was British to the core, from the freshly polished horse-drawn carriages to the sausages and lager served at street parties. Some pubs opened early, offering beer and English breakfasts – sausages, beans, toast, fried eggs and bacon.
The festivities reflected Britons’ continuing fascination with the royal family, which despite its foibles remains a powerful symbol of unity and pride.
“It’s very exciting,” Prime Minister David Cameron said. “I went on to the mall last night and met some people sleeping on the streets. There‘s a sense of excitement that you can’t really put a word to … It’s a chance to celebrate.”
A number of famous people were left off the guest list, including President Barack Obama and Britain’s last two prime ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown of the Labour Party, which is not as strong a backer of the monarchy as the governing Conservatives. Some critics call that a snub which could resonate for years among Labour voters.
The royals fervently hope that a joyous union for William and Kate will erase the squalid memories of his parents’ embarrassing each other and the nation with confessions of adultery as their marriage tumbled toward divorce.
And there is no small irony in the sight of Americans waking up before dawn (on the East Coast) or staying up all night (West Coast) after their fellow countrymen fought so fiercely centuries ago to throw off the yoke of the British monarchy and proclaim a country in which all men are created equal.
Brenda Mordic, 61, from Columbus, Georgia, clutched a Union Jack with her friend Annette Adams, 66.
“We came for the excitement of everything,” Mordic said. “We watched William grow up. I came for Prince Charles‘ wedding to Diana and I came for Princess Diana’s funeral. We love royalty England and London.”
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Comments (68)
Freedom1984
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:23pmAnyone think that Barry and Moochelle woke up at 4:00 AM to watch from their Television Sets???!!!
I am so glad that they got SNUBBED from the wedding!!!!!!!!!
I bet mooshelle will suddenly try to come up with a dress similar to Cathryn’s…….and then try to pretend that she had the design first.
Report Post »rgalunas
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:06pmI like to say that the Royal Wedding is like a dream every little girl likes! The diference is human nature so we should pray that they be Noble in Godly way! Then everything they do will prosper! Beautiful Love too.
Report Post »devildoginlipstick
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:48pmSimply Stunning!
Report Post »Buttercup
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:35pmHow absolutely stunning! Kate looked magnificent — very lady-like and classy, William, so handsome! Harry, too. Dignified. I am so happy for them, the families, and the country. I wish them much happiness and long lives. Princess Diana must be smiling down on them, ever the proud mum.
A wedding, a Christian marriage. Yep, still works for me!
Report Post »swoods08
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:13pmSee, in this country we would have some protestors chain themselves to the pews and start screaming how unfair the country is.
Report Post »erasemytoast
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:54amWhat a joyous Christian message in this reverent celebration today! Tribute to the Brits for sharing the Royal Wedding! Best Wishes to the handsome William and lovely Kate!
Report Post »VLADTEPES
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:51amWho really cares, nothing but a family of crooks for centuries, sorta like the Kennedy’s..
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:48amZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzzz….When does the shuttle launch????
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:47amMeanwhile people are dying and starving to death and I am suppose to find this inportant?
Report Post »Moment of Clarity
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:40amI’m curious to know who paid for this shindig …
Report Post »MMR
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:10amOk I got to say this but Prince Harry is HOT! He has his mothers looks.
At least Kate knows what Prince William will look like when he get to be Prince Charles age.
Report Post »chisoxfan
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:29pmprince harry is hot, but did you see david beckham? Wow
Report Post »GEW
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:05amThank God it is over!! Good for the Brits.
Report Post »Thevoice
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:03amWhat do you think the Obama’s put in the envelop …
Report Post »Thevoice
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:22amI know Barry probably grabbed some old dusty White House nick knack and a puff daddy cd …With a note …Michelle the Girls and I would like to wish you the best ..Tell your dad that he should keep up the push for the green house gas effect. Hey if your ever in Washington stop in and say hello..Better yet I can get you some free Withe Sox tickets from my old buddy now mayor Rahm in Chicago . You are more than willing to stop over at the Hyde Park digs, we will have a barbecue party and I’ll get some of my closest Communist friends over. They can help you can pick and choose world crises problems to stand behind…It will be a gas …Plus the girls are all into this Princess Barbie deal and would love to have a play date with Kate…
Report Post »ArmyStandard88
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:58amWho cares?
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:04amWHAT a CONTRAST!!! Civilized people carrying on a TRADITION over 1000 years old vs. the maniacs hacking off people’s heads; running over their daughters with SUVS; DIRTY; Destructive; hysterical puppets of SATAN‘S ’religion’ vs. GOD’S instructions.
HOW do you want to live AMERICANS? IN dirty, smelly tribes that roam the streets; kill everyone including their own kids (FOR WHAT??!!!) or like CIVILIZED ladies and gentlemen? WHAT A CONTRAST.
Report Post »NYSTREETKID
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:23amthis true,but we do the whole tribe thing here with style!
Report Post »Hawt'n'secksie
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:23amI don’t really care, I just wish I looked more like Queen Elizabeth. That knobby chin and those narrow eyes. Oooooh baby! Makes me want to do the Lambada dance.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:34amSIGH, don’t know to much about anything behind the seats of power do you Patty? Prince Harry and I are cousins, but I wish he and Kate well today. Tomorrow however I’m back to telling the truth about them and whom they serve. You undoubtedly will yell and scream at me, but I don’t serve you first , I serve GOD first.
Report Post »Well-Armed-Lamb
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:20amSo Betterdays, how was the wedding? You must have attended being a cousin. All cousins were invited, no? Are you not also William’s cousin? Why continually mention Harry (Henry) while no mention of Wills? Of course we all know if we go back far enough we’re all related to Noah right?
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:11pm@lamb
Report Post »Actually to a single female DNA, Eve, already been proven. but don’t tell a liberal ok?
And none of that “poor” blood will ever be invited, and it was Harry’s and Katies day, not Williams, therefor I neglected him, oh my imperfection is showing, Glad my King is Jesus aren’t you?
Well-Armed-Lamb
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 1:04pmBetterdays best check the invite again. Wills married Kate. He is the heir. Harry is the spare.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 3:19pm@lamb
Report Post »I never mentioned whom is heir apparent.
(foolish dreams) I see you’ve changed your screen name.
Never the less I’ll keep accepting living waters, as I’m sure you shall too.
BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 3:23pm@lamb
Report Post »Lol, your right, I’m still totally asleep, William and Kate, my bad!
Sorry for being daft old man, twice in one day, sadly not a record yet.
Gonzo
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:59amKing: One day, lad, all this will be yours!
Report Post »Prince: What, the curtains?
King: No. Not the curtains, lad. All that you can see, stretched out over the hills and valleys of this land! This’ll be your kingdom, lad.
Prince: But Mother–
King: Father, lad. Father.
Prince: B– b– but Father, I don’t want any of that.
King: Listen, lad. I built this kingdom up from nothing. When I started here, all there was was swamp. Other kings said I was daft to build a castle on a swamp, but I built it all the same, just to show ‘em. It sank into the swamp. So, I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So, I built a third one. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp, but the fourth one… stayed up! And that‘s what you’re gonna get, lad: the strongest castle in these islands.
Prince: But I don’t want any of that. I’d rather–
King: Rather what?!
Prince: I’d rather…just… sing!
FLyoverman
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:58amThese people are as relevant as whale oil. The only Royals worth seeing are in the home dugout in Kansas City.
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:12amTHEN WE NEED WHALE OIL dude…. or do you prefer the towel heads roaming the streets looking for people to kill?? Maybe the DRUG LORDS in MEXICO coming over our borders because we have gutless leaders? What about your twit in the WH who was en route to Florida anyway today…but his PR peeps at the WH tried to make it like “THE PRESIDENT is making an inspection trip to ALABAMA”
I swaer, they must think we are as dumb as dirt. (Note TEXAS still has not heard from him and forget NC…they didn’t hear from the dolt because he was enroute to LA for big fundraiser…but OMGosh…he’ll be in ALABAMA…..trust me….IF ALA weren’t on the way to FLORIDA…they wouldn’t see him either.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:28amTune in tomorrow because I’ll fill you in on my cousin, Harry and how the Royal’s fit in with what we are going through here now. But for today, I shall give them well wishes.
Report Post »FLyoverman
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:55am@Patty Henry My comment was regarding the relevancy to me as an American of a FOREIGN royal wedding involving a nation we won out freedom from. I found your comments to be incoherent.
Report Post »Dr. Insane O
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:54amNice to see a unified country even if it’s short term.
America should take note
Report Post »Doom2022
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:52amNice storybook wedding. Let’s hope for their sakes it has a happy ending…
Report Post »ryan
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:51amA bit of happy news is good news. :) Yay for the Royal Wedding!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:28amMan up son.
Report Post »No1YaKnow
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 2:09pmThere is a whole lot of “a bit of this and a bit of that” going on in this forum today. Anymore Brit-isms?
Report Post »quicker
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:48amAre we going to do this all day.There are other thing happening in the world today.Like those poor folks in Alabama.We need to focus on what going onhere.Pray for these people help out if you can.
Report Post »USN-AW1
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:42am“When the going gets wierd, the wierd go’s pro!”
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:39amThey pulled it off fairly well. The Brits are good at these sort of things. However, if they do not begin deporting muslims,…their pomp and ceremony may soon end.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:17amOh how sweet, someone who doesn‘t know who’s been pulling Global strings. Trust me the royal’s will be fine for a bit longer, but when the first beast is exposed, they shall fall because they serve her.
Report Post »Hawt'n'secksie
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:00amHey Betterdays…if you are William and Harry’s cousin, could you pass them a message from me? Their grandma is smokin’ hot.
Report Post »Well-Armed-Lamb
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:06amThis is the very throne on which Christ will be seated upon while ruling this world for 1000 years. So perhaps a bit more respect should be shown. Also, Great Britain, being mostly protestant, will not be serving the beast. The beast will be a European empire controlled by the Catholic church. Church and State combined again.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:03pm@hast
Report Post »Sorry bub, but we are not exactly on speaking terms ever since my great gradnfather three times removed was almost murdered by his older sibling. He ( my great-great) fled here for his life, and the rest as they say is history.
But we are a handsome bunch, we Windsor/ Harvey/ Spencers, and to quote you “ well groomed” to boot!
BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:07pm@Well armed
Report Post »Your correct about whom the first beast is, however just a bit off in knowing about the ties between the iron and clay as it relates to my cousins, IE, the Royals. We, America are the beast out of the Earth, the second beast that makes the whole world follow after the first beast.
red_white_blue2
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:37pmGod Bless the individuals who are without spirtual blemish when the day does come of the beast.
Report Post »Well-Armed-Lamb
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 1:07pmBetterdays Second beast? Sorry, not in my Bible. There is reference to a ‘Little Horn’ that gives the Beast its power. That Little Horn is the Catholic Church. The Beast is a united European Empire. Please clarify the facts before attempting to teach others. Obfuscation and sophistry are not endearing virtues.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 3:16pm@lamb
Report Post »Perhaps you might try reading Revelations 13, oh, that and Daniel again, as they interpret one another. GOD Bless.
Creestof
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:36amCan’t we watch the best parts of the honeymoon instead?
Report Post »bassist237
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:52amHAHA! Yessssssssssssss.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:35amWoah, he might have picked the wrong sister. Pippa is looking good
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:39amWonder if Harry thinks the same thing?
Report Post »Oil_Robb
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:45amI was thinking the same thing….and still young enough that you can train her up right…then again Di got a royal credit card and went nuts at a young age so who knows …the over/under is 10 years before there is a seriuos scandal.
Report Post »Hawt'n'secksie
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 9:55amAt least they are lucky that Queen Elizabeth’s features appear to remain prominent from generation to generation. Now she is one damn secksie bish.
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:14amHarry’s my cousin so IN this I wish he and Kate the best.
Report Post »Other than that, my side of the Royal line has been mortal enemies with his side for over two hundred years. But eneough on that today, I’ll reveal their unholy alliances and plans some other day, for today I do indeed wish them the best.
Oh!, I don’t want to be king, just to be clear.
NYSTREETKID
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 10:20amthat my friend is the truth, Fine looking lady!
Report Post »Deane
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:09amThe best part of the wedding is the commoner in the crowd at 2hr49minutes into my Fox News DVR….its priceless, the “ ILove Rock” tshirt with a topless female rocker plastered all over the front. It will make a wonderful moment in this storybook wedding video dont you think?
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:45amLet’s be perfectly honest here.
For the majority of those that watched this are like those that watch Nascar racing. They are not cheering them on they want to see the carnage. On here the reports of the prince, Harry’s father, and his mistress being attacked. The people know that those in that country don’t like being held down so they watch to see the crash, the screams, and the wailing sirens.
This is the sad and true side of human nature.
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:50amA stunning reminder of their respect for the ideals and sanctity of marriage–as if putting all they have on display was not even quite enough to honor the idea of marriage. The Royals are there to symbolize and remind the world of their country’s values. Magnificent.
Report Post »watchmany2k
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:22pmLOL, I put up a banner that shows what Obama Gave the Royal Couple as a gift
Report Post »http://www.watchman2012.com
Click on the banner to read my thoughts
You are welcome to grab the banner(S) for your use
drattastic
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:28pmMAN ! I don’t care about this .
Report Post »lemmings4obama
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:42pmHAHAHAHA, I just saw a trend on twitter that was “onlywhitepeople” and someone seriously tweeted “#onlywhitepeople get married at 4 in the morning, seriously who does that?” I just had to share, funniest thing I’ve ever heard, but also may be the saddest.
Report Post »Oil_Robb
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 5:40pm@betterdays….ya you did the geneology….and he might be your tenth cousin …so dont get cute…if we go back far enough Im related the Ramsies I …and I dont mean the condom maker
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