Same place, same pose... but two very different stories

By POLLY DUNBAR

Happy: William and Kate surrounded by, clockwise bottom right, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


The echoes of a Royal wedding from an earlier era are difficult to ignore.

The backdrop is the same: the opulent red-and-gold decor of the grand Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. And the mischievous smiles on the faces of some of the bridesmaids and page boys – and endearingly bewildered expressions on the others – are strikingly similar.


The 1981 wedding party. From back, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Diana and Charles, Edward van Cutsem; front: Lord Nicholas Windsor, Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, India Hicks, Sarah-Jane Gaselee and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones


But, 30 years after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the official wedding picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton also reflects the differences between the two couples' relationships.

The photograph of Charles and Diana, taken by Patrick Lichfield, seemed to capture a moment of spontaneous informality, with the wedding party collapsing in a fit of giggles. But, as we now know, the warmth was not reflected in the marriage itself.

By contrast, Kate and William's picture, by photographer Hugo Burnand, appears more formal, despite little Tom Pettifer's insistence on leaning in as close to the bride as possible.


Full of joy and not a care in the world: William and Kate smile broadly as they stand arm-in-arm in the official wedding album


Despite the organised nature of their shot, they look relaxed, their smiles unforced, and her hand rests on his knee.

Mario Testino may have received praise for his engagement portraits of William and Kate, but their choice of Hugo Burnand to take their official wedding pictures has cemented the latter's status as the Royal Family's favourite photographer.

Mr Burnand, 47, has been entrusted with capturing many of the Royals' most important occasions in recent years, including Prince Charles's 60th birthday and his marriage to Camilla. He has also won the respect of the Queen and Princes William and Harry after taking their pictures on previous occasions.


The family photo: Front row left to right is Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Louise Windsor, William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row left to right is Tom Pettifer, Camilla, Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate, Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, James Middleton and Philippa Middleton


Mr Burnand, 47, has been entrusted with capturing many of the Royals' most important occasions in recent years


source: dailymail

Whisked away by helicopter... but Wills's back to work on Tuesday

By IAN GALLAGHER

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


Honeymoon postponed to a later date

Couple staying in an undisclosed location in Britain, possibly Scotland

The Middletons return to their quiet country home in Berkshire


She awoke at Buckingham Palace a Princess, the first day of a new life that must have once been impossible to contemplate.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand after a lavish bash for 300 people on Friday night


After a light breakfast, the new Duchess of Cambridge emerged from the garden entrance of the Queen’s official residence still on a high, and still wearing the joyous smile that bewitched billions on Friday.

The couple are thought to have spent their first night as man and wife in the ground-floor Belgian Suite of the Palace, which is traditionally reserved for visiting heads of state.


Day of joy: The newly-weds thanked Buckingham Palace footmen and spoke briefly to the pilot before boarding the helicopter


As they strolled hand-in-hand along a gravel path and out on to the lawn, they were bathed in bright sunshine.

Wearing a light blue dress, dark jacket and platform shoes, the same ones she wore at the Goring Hotel on her last night as a commoner, Kate giggled at Prince William’s asides and looked relaxed and confident.

They had wanted a people’s wedding, with limited pomp, and in keeping with that unfussy spirit William announced his intention to go straight back to work.


Taking flight: The Queen's helicopter, a maroon Sikorsky with its own crest, takes the Royal couple from Buckingham Palace to a secret location to 'unwind'


It came as a surprise. Sources had previously indicated that the couple would jet off immediately for a two-week break, somewhere ‘hot and sunny’

But postponing the honeymoon to a later date, William, who wore his trademark chinos, light blue shirt and navy jacket, will now return to his job as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot on Anglesey, probably as early as Tuesday.

Saturday night, however, the couple were staying at an undisclosed location in Britain, possibly Scotland, where they planned to ‘unwind’ over the long weekend.


Maid of honour Pippa Middleton, brother James and their mother Carole emerge from the Goring Hotel on Saturday after Friday night's wedding celebration


Shortly after the happy couple left the Palace, Kate’s family checked out of the exclusive Goring Hotel nearby, posing briefly for photographs in their casual clothes.

Kate’s father Michael told the gathered crowd: ‘We had a wonderful time.’

The family then returned to their quiet country home in Chapel Row, near Bucklebury, Berkshire. The village has been bedecked with Union Jacks and bunting as the residents held their own wedding festivities.


Party's over: The scaffolding is removed from the Goring Hotel, central London after the Middleton's departed on Saturday afternoon


Memorial: Kate's wedding bouquet was returned to lie on the tomb of the unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey - a tradition for all Royal brides


Busy day at the Abbey: Tourists flock to Westminster Abbey on Saturday where the trees are still in place after the Royal Wedding on Friday


Clear-up: Cleaners sweep up rubbish left behind outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday after Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, celebrated their marriage on Friday


Sleepy: Guests leave the Buckingham Palace party. The guests started to depart at 11pm on Friday and the last left at 3am on Saturday


source: dailymail

Happy and glorious: OFFICIAL Royal Wedding album is released

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Full over joy and not a care in the world: William and Kate smile broadly as they stand arm-in-arm in the official wedding album


Clarence House today released the official Royal Wedding album that shows the beaming bride and groom in the throne room at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William and Kate posed for the stunning photographs shortly after getting married in a moving ceremony that captivated the world yesterday.

The newly-titled Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to be lost in matrimonial bliss as they smiled for the traditional wedding day photo album taken by Hugo Burnand.

No sooner had they arrived at Buckingham Palace from the service at Westminster Abbey did the rapturous family assume their positions for the pictures.

In the first photograph the couple stand arm-in-arm together against a stunning rich red velvet backdrop trimmed with gold.


Happy: William and Kate surrounded by, clockwise bottom right, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


The second official photograph shows William and Kate sat more informally on a step. Kate's wonderful dress flows onto the floor around them as she clutches her bouquet.

Sitting around the newlyweds are two pageboys and four bridesmaids. They are from clockwise from the bottom right The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.


The family photo: Front row left to right is Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Louise Windsor, William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row left to right is Tom Pettifer, Camilla, Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate, Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, James Middleton and Philippa Middleton


In the third photograph, the newlyweds pose for the traditional wedding photograph flanked by their families.

To the left of Kate stands her father Michael Middleton, mother Carole Middleton, brother James Middleton and sister Philipa Middleton.

Standing by William's side is Prince Harry, followed by Prince Charles,Camilla and Master Tom Pettifer.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sit on the front way with Miss Grace van Cutsem and Miss Eliza Lopes to their right.

One the other side of the front row in front of the Middleton family is the Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Lady Louise Windsor, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.


First day as husband and wife: Newlyweds William and Kate emerged holding hands into the morning sunshine at Buckingham Palace before they left by helicopter for their honeymoon at a mystery location


Married life began for newlyweds William and Kate today when they left London for a mystery destination.

The couple spent last night partying at Buckingham Palace with their close family and friends in celebration of their wedding.

But this morning they left Buckingham Palace by helicopter for an undisclosed destination.


source: dailymail

What honeymoon? A weekend away then it's back to work for Wills on Monday

By Rob Cooper


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

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.

William 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.

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.

They will probably travel to the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland, which will afford them privacy and stunning countryside in which to unwind.

A St James's Palace spokesman said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen not to depart for a honeymoon immediately.

'Instead, after spending the weekend privately in the United Kingdom, the Duke will return to work as a search and rescue pilot next week.

'The locations of both their private weekend before the Duke returns to work and their future honeymoon, which will be overseas, will not be disclosed in advance.'

Maid of honour Pippa Middleton and her brother James emerge from the Goring Hotel today after last night's wedding celebration


St James's Palace stressed that the couple had asked that the media respect their privacy over the weekend and during their holiday.

William and Kate emerged from the Palace today hand in hand from the palace's garden entrance, located at the side of the imposing building.

In bright sunshine, they strolled along the gravel path and out into the open space where the maroon helicopter was waiting.

The Duke's new wife wore a light blue dress, dark jacket and platform shoes, while he was dressed in his trademark chinos with a pale blue shirt and navy jacket - a casual look in complete contrast to yesterday.

The couple stopped briefly to chat to two Royal Household footmen and appeared to be thanking for them after their stay.

When they finished, William put his hand on the small of his wife's back and they went over to talk to the helicopter pilot before climbing on board.

Newly-weds thanked Buckingham Palace footmen and spoke briefly to the pilot before boarding the helicopter this morning


Before they got on the aircraft, palace staff had carried out some of their luggage, which included a bouquet of white blooms.

The couple are said to still be on a high after their wedding day which was both an intimate family affair and a global event televised across the world.

Pippa Middleton and the rest of her family, who had been staying at The Goring hotel, left this afternoon, smiling broadly.

Michael, Carole, Pippa and James Middleton posed briefly for photographs in casual clothes.

Pippa, who wowed a worldwide audience yesterday in her stunning bridesmaid dress, was wearing a blue blazer, cream buttoned shirt and white jeans.

They looked happy and relaxed and bore no signs of the after- effects of last night's celebrations.

Mr Middleton told the gathered crowd: 'We had a wonderful time.'

For William and Kate, Kenya is thought to be the most likely honeymoon destination as a punter tried to put £5,000 on William and Kate heading back to the country where he proposed last year.

But the Caribbean, Australia, Jordan and Scotland are among the destinations that the couple may have chosen.

The Middletons emerge: Mother Carole Middleton, father Michael, brother James and maid of honour Pippa Middleton leave The Goring hotel

Morning after: William and Catherine, casually dressed, head out of Buckingham Palace this morning after a huge party for 300 family and friends last night

Palace joker: Prince Harry leaves Buckingham Palace in a coach - while wedding guest Chelsy Davy left in a royal car with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie


At last night's the black-tie do, which started with dinner in the palace's lavish ballroom and ended with dancing into the small hours, Prince Harry gave his best man's speech.

Around 300 family and friends attended the lavish bash last night where they partied until 3am.

William may have flown out in a helicopter this morning, but his younger brother and best man Harry had to make do with a minibus.

The Prince was photographed leaving the Palace at 3am - while Chelsy Davy left with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in a car.

The couple are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after the Queen bestowed the title on her grandson.

Royal wedding guests said they were feeling a little jaded today.

His father's car: William drives Catherine to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace in his father's soft-top Aston Martin decorated with balloons yesterday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand after a lavish bash for 300 people last night

Prince William, his wife Catherine and their bridesmaids and page boys Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


As Kate and William flew off from Buckingham Palace in a helicopter to begin married life together, one guest described how the celebrations had continued into the early hours.

Kate's family, along with some of their guests, stayed at the exclusive Goring hotel near the palace.

Family friend Tony Ainsworth, from Dorset, said outside the hotel: 'It has been an historic occasion. After the concerns of getting to the church on time, it all went smoothly.

'We had a party at the hotel last night that went on well into the evening, so we're feeling a little jaded this morning. Carole and Mike (Middleton) made an appearance as well.

'I went to bed around 1am but I heard guests stumbling around at 5am, coming back from the palace, which woke me up.

'My own daughter got married two years ago and, as a father of the bride, I thought Mike handled himself brilliantly, James also gave an incredible address.

'I hear everyone's talking about Pippa. She looked stunning. She's the most eligible girl in the country right now.'

Party: Wedding guests leave Buckingham Palace in the early hours of this morning after the evening reception, attended by 300 close family and friends

Royal departure: Prince Charles is driven away from Clarence House in his Aston Martin which William used to drive Kate yesterday with the numberplate 'Just Wed'

Flashback: William drives his new wife in his father's soft top, decorated in balloons, out of Buckingham Palace and down to Clarence House

Guests leave: The party at the Palace lasted until 3am - when there was a brief fireworks display to mark the end of the celebrations

WHERE ARE THEY GOING? NEWLY-WEDS DESTINATION REMAINS SECRET

Bookmakers had this morning made Kenya the 3-1 joint favourite after a punter had tried to place a £5,000 stake.

But they may continue their wedding theme of championing the UK and spend part of their break in Scotland, where both the Queen and the Prince of Wales have private homes they could use.

Bookies are also offering 3-1 odds on William and Kate heading north of the border.

The Duke is known to have a deep affection for Africa, and would be on safe romantic territory if he chose to take his wife to Kenya, where he proposed to her last year.

Jordan, with its plethora of ancient sites, has also been touted as a possibility for the couple's honeymoon.

The Middle Eastern country would no doubt have nostalgic appeal for Kate as her family spent two years there when she was a child. However its proximity to hotspots such as Syria could count against the country.

If they are keen to escape the prying eyes of the media, a secluded Caribbean island might be a safe choice.

Bequia and Necker Island all have the benefit of being easily secured, as does the ultra-exclusive Mustique, where Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are frequent visitors.

Lizard Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has also emerged as a contender.

However, with William resuming his pilot duties in two weeks, the significant jetlag likely from such a far-flung trip could rule it out.

They may also be tempted by Chile, as they both spent time in the South American country during their gap years before university.

Thirty years ago, William's parents the Prince and Princess of Wales spent the first stage of their honeymoon in Romsey in Hampshire, where they stayed at Broadlands, the family home of the Mountbattens.

The second part of their holiday was spent on board the royal yacht Britannia. They boarded at the Rock of Gibraltar before cruising to Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, the Greek islands and Egypt.

Finally, they went to Scotland to spend time with the Royal Family in Balmoral.

Honeymoon destination odds

3/1 Kenya; 3/1 Scotland; 7/2 Jordan; 11/2 Cornwall, 6/1 South Africa,7/1 Caribbean, 10/1 Mustique; 10/1 Tanzania, 20/1 Seychelles, 20/1 Saint Tropez, 25/1 Australia, 25/1 Monaco, 25/1 Maldives, 33/1 Wales (all odds from William Hill)



source:dailymail

Two kisses...two families coming together at last

By Paul Harris


Welcome to the Firm: The Middletons share the public's acclaim on the Buckingham Palace balcony


He is infamous for his bad jokes – and even on the Buckingham Palace balcony Prince Harry struck again. The 26-year-old quipped that his grandfather, Prince Philip, was dwarfed by Kate Middleton, who stood tall in three-inch heels alongside her prince.

His stunning second sister-in-law Pippa, 27, did not appear amused – but she will need to get used to Harry’s humour. And at least she seemed happier talking to the Duke of Edinburgh, 89, who is renowned for his charm with beautiful women.

Unimpressed: Three-year-old Grace van Cutsem fails to join in the excitement


Yards away, bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem had no qualms about showing her annoyance at the traditions of the day. The three-year-old covered her ears grumpily as the flypast took place noisily overhead. She may, too, have been grimacing about the soppy sweet nothings being whispered just over her left shoulder.

All eyes on the sky: The balcony party watch the RAF's Battle of Britain flypast


A lip reader’s analysis showed that, following their first kiss, Wil- Paul Harris reports liam touchingly told his new bride ‘I love you’ before going in for a second crowd-thrilling embrace.

‘Let’s give them another one. l love you. One more kiss, one more kiss, okay,’ he said. After the final kiss he gently mocked the enthusiasm of the cheering hordes, saying: ‘Come on! Come on! More! More! More!’

Unamused: Infamous joker Harry provokes a grimace from Pippa

Charmed: Prince Philip has more success with the head bridesmaid


Further along the balcony, Prince Charles jokingly asked the father of the bride Mike Middleton: ‘Can you see from here?’ Charles was also more tactile than usual, as he lifted up his wife’s young granddaughter Eliza Lopes so she could get a better view.

Throughout the balcony scene, William and Kate were understandably oblivious to the family bonding going on around them. The moment she stepped out in front of the crowd, Kate exclaimed ‘wow’ and looked in awe at the thousands of flag wavers who will one day be her subjects.

In-laws on parade: A beaming Mike and Carole Middleton beside Charles, perhaps tiring of holding Eliza, and Camilla

Unable to resist a backward glance, Kate leaves the balcony with her proud husband beside Charles, perhaps tiring of holding Eliza, and Camilla


source:dailymail

What's in a ring? Palace confirms that Prince William will not be wearing a wedding band when he marries Kate Middleton

By Rebecca English


Breaking with tradition: Prince William will not be wearing a wedding ring after his marriage to Kate Middleton on April 29


Prince William has decided not to wear a wedding ring following his marriage to Kate Middleton, palace officials have revealed.

According to senior royal sources, the Prince discussed the issue with his fiancée but has chosen not to. 'It is simply down to personal preference,' an aide said.

Kate, 29, will wear a band fashioned from a lump of Welsh gold already owned by the Royal Family which will be given to her in the traditional way during the April 29 Westminster Abbey wedding ceremony, the Mail can reveal.


The use of Welsh gold in royal wedding bands is a long-standing tradition.

Most male royals do wear a wedding ring of some kind, with the exception of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Like many members of the upper classes, Prince Charles wears a gold wedding ring under a signet ring on the little finger of his left hand given to him by the Duchess of Cornwall.

His signet ring bears the fleur-de-lys crest of the Prince of Wales and is believed to have been a gift from his parents.

He also wore a ring given to him by his first wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, until the day after his engagement to Camilla.

William's decision not to sport a wedding band is likely to cause some surprise, however, as it is so commonplace nowadays.

Symbol: Prince Charles wears a wedding ring under a signet ring on the little finger of his left hand given to him by the Duchess of Cornwall, who he married in 2005


But a St James's Palace aide insisted that it was a decision that Kate was happy with.

'It was something the couple discussed but Prince William isn't one for jewellery - he doesn't even wear a signet ring - and decided he didn't want to. It really is just down to personal preference,' they said.

'Catherine will wear a ring fashioned from a lump of Welsh gold owned by the Royal Family that has been smelted down. The couple have both had a hand in the design.

This is the ring Prince Harry will carry and hand over in the traditional way.'
Another source added: 'It is quite common for men in that strata of society not to wear a traditional wedding band. If they do, they tend to wear it with their family signet ring but William doesn't have one of those.'

Most male royals, including Prince Edward (left), do wear a wedding ring of some kind, with the exception of the Duke of Edinburgh (right)


Prior to the Second World War is was unheard of for men to wear wedding rings. It then became customary for soldiers serving overseas to wear a wedding band to remind them of home and their commitment to their wives and families.

The popularity of wedding rings for men has since soared, but there is still divided opinion on whether wearing one is obligatory or not.

Although wearing a wedding ring for men in the past was not crucial, most modern brides would not hear of her new husband’s fourth finger going unadorned.

David Miller, director of Debretts, a leading authority on etiquette, said: 'Wearing a wedding ring used to be uncommon for men but now it is quite accepted practice.

That said, it really is a matter of personal choice and members of the Royal Family often chose to wear it with a signet ring on the little finger of their left hand.

'Although this is a very modern royal wedding in so many ways, I think there will be a few surprises of this kind to come.'

According to some customs, the wedding ring forms the last in a series of gifts, which also may include the engagement ring, traditionally given as a betrothal present. This tradition was already in use in Ancient Rome and is possibly much older.

After marriage, the ring is worn on the hand it had been placed on during the ceremony. By wearing rings on the fourth finger, a married couple symbolically declares their eternal love for each other.


source:dailymail