London: At last, it was the moment the crowd had been waiting for.
The newlyweds' first kiss as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
The historic moment delighted the crowd of a million which had gathered to watch in London, and the estimated two billion waiting for the special moment to be broadcast on live television coverage around the world.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were pronounced husband and wife Friday at Westminster Abbey before a gathering of close family and friends, and distinguished guests and celebrities from around the world.
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The couple looked nervous but happy and got through their vows without stumbling before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams pronounced them husband and wife.
A million well-wishers - as well as some protesters - flooded into the historic environs surrounding Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and other London landmarks.
"Will, it's not too late!" said one sign held aloft by an admirer dressed as a bride.
About 1,900 guests were attendance, including soccer star David Beckham and musician Elton John.
The couple are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Bride arrives
The bride has arrived, and Britain's biggest royal wedding in decades has begun.
Kate Middleton emerged from a Rolls-Royce at Westminster Abbey on Friday in a long sleeved dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.
Prince William arrives
Britain's Prince William arrived at Westminster Abbey on Friday to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton in a royal occasion of dazzling pomp and pageantry that has attracted a huge global audience.
The 28-year-old, who is second in line to the throne, wore the bright red military uniform as Colonel of the Irish Guards, and bells pealed loudly as he stepped into the historic abbey where he greeted some of the 1,900-strong congregation.
David and Victoria Beckham, the footballer-pop star couple, singer Elton John and Prime Minister David Cameron were among the famous guests at the abbey, coronation site for the monarchy since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.
They joined dozens of heads of state, charity workers and war veterans who know the prince from his military training.
Thousands of people from around the world were outside the abbey, many of them camping overnight for the best view of the future king and queen and fuelling the feel-good factor that has briefly lifted Britain from its economic gloom.
"People watching this at home must think we're completely mad, but there's just no comparison," said 58-year-old Denise Mill from southern England. "I just had to be here."
Around her the crowd entered into the festive spirit on a chilly day by wearing national flags and even fake wedding dresses and tiaras.
Tens of thousands more crammed the flag-lined streets of London to catch a glimpse of marching military bands in black bearskin hats, cavalrymen in shining ornamental breastplates and ornate carriages that will carry royal figures from the service.
British expats enjoying the sunshine
Natalie Long, tabloid! Editor, reports from Dubai: London may be grateful for the sunny weather shining down on Westminster Abbey for the royal wedding – and over in Dubai, British expats are equally enjoying the sunshine – although it’s quite a bit warmer.
At the Arabian Ranches Polo and Equestrian Club, where a British expat group, Dubai Reunited, has organized a garden party complete with bunting, Union flag hats for all – and Kate Middleton masks for those who fancy it, around two hundred Britons are gathered around the two big screens.
They just let out the biggest roar so far, for as Queen Elizabeth has just been spotted, in a buttercup yellow outfit riding in a car alongside Prince Phillip on their way to Westminster Abbey.
Large gathering
A large gathering is also expected outside the queen's London residence, Buckingham Palace, to cheer on the married couple as they appear on the balcony for a much-anticipated public kiss.
For others, however, the biggest royal wedding since William's mother Diana married Prince Charles in 1981 was an event to avoid, reflecting divided opinion about the monarchy.
New titles
Prince William was made the Duke of Cambridge on his wedding day Friday by Queen Elizabeth II, and Kate Middleton will become the Duchess of Cambridge once they are married, Buckingham Palace said.
"The queen has today been pleased to confer a dukedom on Prince William of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus," the palace said.
"Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge."
A spokesman for William at Clarence House said he was "honoured."
It is traditional for royal grooms to receive at least one title on their wedding day, and their brides take them on by default.
As well as being a duchess, Kate will also technically be Princess William of Wales, adopting her husband's name.
She will not officially be Princess Catherine because she was not born a princess in her own right, although she is likely to be known as this in the media, as William's late mother was known as Princess Diana.
The Duke of Cambridge has been a royal title since the reign of Charles II, and links William to the eastern English city where his father Prince Charles went to university. A dukedom is the highest rank in British peerage.
Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett's Peerage, the bible on the British aristocracy, said: "It's a well-known place and I think it will have some resonance with the public."
The last Duke of Cambridge was Prince George, a famous military figure who who was born in 1819, the grandson of George III and the only son of Prince Adolphus Frederick, the 1st Duke of Cambridge.
George married an actress for love but the union was never recognised by the monarch. His mother, German-born Princess Augusta Wilhelmina Louisa of Hesse-Cassel, was therefore the last to hold the title Duchess of Cambridge.
The earldom of Strathearn links William to Scotland, where he met Kate while at university at St Andrews in 2001, and where they fell in love.
Strathearn has had royal connections since Robert Stewart, high steward of Scotland and future king Robert II of Scotland, was created its earl in 1357.
It was also given to Queen Victoria's father in 1799, but as a dukedom, and then to her third and favourite son, Prince Arthur, in 1874. The title became extinct in 1943.
The barony of Carrickfergus links William to Northern Ireland - Carrickfergus is the oldest town in County Antrim, predating Belfast.
The title was created in 1625, although it only existed as a title on its own between 1841 and 1883. The Marquess of Donegall currently holds an Irish Viscountcy of Chichester of Carrickfergus.
