Royal wedding: The day as it happened

Hello and welcome to the BBC News live coverage of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Five months after becoming engaged, and 10 years after meeting at university, their wedding is just hours away.

There are already hundreds of people in Parliament Square but it's incredibly peaceful aside from the helicopters roaring overhead. Daytrippers are arriving while the intrepid campers pack away their tents. One mother is cooking scrambled egg for her sleepy family. At the moment it's extremely chilly so the crowds will need a bit of excitement to warm them up.

We'll hope you'll stick with us all day for updates on the crowds in central London, the street parties throughout the country and the marriage ceremony itself, not to mention the guests, the carriages, the Royal Family, the dress and the anticipated kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Before the ceremony an announcement is expected on Miss Middleton's title. When she marries Prince William she becomes Princess William of Wales, but traditionally the monarch bestows a new title to mark a wedding. Will she become a duchess?

About 1,900 guests have been invited to the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, around 650 people to the lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace given by the Queen, and about 300 people to the dinner at Buckingham Palace given by The Prince of Wales, where there will be dancing and singing.

A quick look at the morning's papers. Many of them, including the Sun and the Daily Mirror, are using the official wedding shot of William and Kate, taken by Mario Testino. The Times and the Daily Mail have picked images of the bride-to-be waving at the crowds outside her hotel last night. Ever the insurgent, the Independent has a montage of celebratory pictures on its front page, but adds at the bottom: "Not interested in the royal wedding? Turn now to page 6."

Amid the last minute preparations on Thursday, Prince William took time for an impromptu walkabout on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, shaking hands and chatting. He spent the evening with the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

Miss Middleton and her family spent last night at the Goring Hotel, in Belgravia, a short distance from Westminster Abbey, where they had booked out the entire place.

Outside the abbey, a group of teenage girls bedecked in Union flags are already screaming. Not sure how long they'll be able to keep that up. One woman who has travelled from Colombia is sporting a bridal gown with a single clear aim in mind. "I want to marry Prince Harry," Mary Bustamante says.

After an unusually hot April, there has been great anticipation of a sunny day. BBC Weather forecasts mostly dry and cloudy at first but sunny spells developing through the morning. However, scattered heavy, perhaps thundery, showers may develop by early afternoon. The Glass Coach is on standby for the post-wedding drive if the open carriage is deemed unsuitable.

With the formal part of the day timed to the minute by Clarence House, the first public glimpse of the bride could be at 10:51 BST when Miss Middleton is scheduled to leave her hotel for Westminster Abbey. Will we get any hints about the dress before then?

Standing outside the Goring Hotel, the BBC's Nick Higham says Kate's dress designer might have been spotted on Thursday - a woman with her head swathed in a hood dashed into the hotel. Obviously trying to keep her identity secret for the time being.

writes: Good Morning from W Abbey. The stage is set for a personal commitment by 2 people - and a moment of renewal for the monarchy. #BBCWedding

Festivities are also planned on Anglesey where the couple have been living while William works as an RAF rescue helicopter pilot. Some 5,000 people are expected to join the knees-up.

Hilary Alexander of The Daily Telegraph has a bit more on the possible identity of the dress designer. She says the hooded woman entering the Goring yesterday was wearing a distinctive studded leather belt doubled through the belt loops of her jeans - identical to the one favoured by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen. The ballet pumps on her feet were also a signature.

Wedding fever has spread world-wide - even, or perhaps especially, in countries without a monarchy like the US. Bruce Orwall, of the Wall Street Journal, says that even though the US was founded on breaking away from Britain, it has not quite managed to break free from a fascination with the Royal Family.

The BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney says the wedding has dealt a blow to the Australian republican movement, which has found itself on "the wrong side of rolling news" and can't compete with the romance and glamour. "A dry constitutional counter-narrative is up against a love story," he says.

There are still critics, however, and one of them, former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie, tells the BBC there's been "a cloak of secrecy" around Miss Middleton, which he objects to. "We are funding her, and we should know more about her," he says.

Today's ceremony will be a roll-call of royalty, with more than 50 members from home shores, and another 40 or so from foreign monarchies. Among them will be the King of Tonga, whose predecessor had his own chair, to accommodate his size, at Charles' and Diana's wedding.

A bit of news just in. Buckingham Palace has decided to brave the weather and is rolling out the open-topped 1902 State Landau carriage for the married couple's journey from the abbey.

We're still in the dark about Kate's attire but we know William will be wearing the uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards. That means a red tunic with a gold and crimson sash and a cap. He'll have his RAF wings pinned to the sash, but he's leaving his sword at home, we're told.

The Dean of Westminster, Dr John Hall, tells the BBC he's sure the service "will have a strong sense of intimacy" despite the crowds, the pressure and the huge church. Of Prince William and Harry's arrival at 1015 BST at the abbey, he says they want to come in and spend some time talking to their guests, before entering a side chapel for about 10 to 15 minutes where they can relax and be alone.

Typical British stoicism from the overnight campers. "It wasn't too bad," says Sarah Burns from Ongar in Essex. She and friend slept on the pavement while their children took the tent. "It's just a great atmosphere," she added. First stepladders spotted - brought by resourceful people desperate to secure a good view.

A bit more on outfits. Prince Harry will be wearing the uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry, Blues and Royals. Navy blue, with a gold belt, it'll be adorned with his RAF wings and his Afghanistan campaign medal. As an Admiral of the Royal Navy, Harry and William's father Prince Charles will be wearing the service's ceremonial Number One Dress.

We've had some details of the ceremony itself. When it comes to the wording of the wedding ceremony, Miss Middleton will vow to "love, comfort, honour and keep" her husband, but she will not be promising to "obey" him.

Other royal nuptials down the ages include King George VI and Lady Elizabeth Bowes on 26 April, 1923; The Queen and Philip on 20 November 1947; Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones (6 May 1960), Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson (23 July 1986) and Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips (14 November 1973).

We also know how today fits into the long history of the abbey. This will be the 16th royal wedding to take place in Westminster Abbey since King Henry I and Princess Matilda of Scotland married on 11 November 1100.

A white awning has been erected over the entrance of the Goring Hotel, presumably to prevent any glimpses of Miss Middleton's dress before her abbey arrival.

The gilded invitations were posted in February, but not everyone accepted. Ireland rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll turned down his invite because he wanted to prepare for Leinster's Heineken Cup match on Saturday. And the Crown Prince of Bahrain had hoped to attend, but unrest at home has prevented that. Among the famous faces who did accept though are David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John.

The dress is a secret, but we know that Miss Middleton's wedding ring - a delicate band - has been made from Welsh gold by family jewellers Wartski, who are based in Llandudno. Wartski also made the wedding rings for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall when they tied the knot in 2005.

The BBC's Sarah Bell says: "Refreshment stands are charging £1.60 for a cup of tea. Not an austerity wedding there."

About 20 minutes to go now until the doors of the abbey open and guests start arriving.

The balcony at Buckingham Palace - where the couple and Royal Family will appear after the ceremony - has been draped with gold-fringed red fabric.

William has also become the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, Buckingham Palace announces.

Miss Middleton will also become the Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who will marry the couple, has told the BBC how he's feeling: "Very excited, very positive. I always look forward to weddings and this is a really rather special one, and just getting to know the couple a little bit and seeing how they think about it has really been a very positive thing. They strike me as deeply sensible, realistic, but also people with strong ideals about marriage and about other things."

Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett's Peerage, says of the dukedom: "It's a well-known place and I think it will have some resonance with the public."

The last Duke of Cambridge, like Prince William, married a commoner for love. Prince George, known as the 2nd Duke of Cambridge, was born in 1819. He was a grandson of George III and the only son of Prince Adolphus Frederick, the 1st Duke of Cambridge.

The Great North Door of Westminster Abbey is about to be opened for the first guests to take their seats.

Among the younger fans is Esther MacFarlane, 4. She has a blue party dress and red shoes, but has drawn the line at red, white, and blue hairbands, her mum Lindsey says. This reporter is rather jealous of her Kate paper doll with changeable outfits.

Students who attend Westminster Abbey twice a year for church services are reporting live on the royal wedding for BBC News School Report. Tiffany, 14, from the Grey Coat Hospital School said: "The abbey is really beautiful and I think it's cool that other people are coming into 'our church'. The wedding will have a lasting impact, especially for people of our age, because we weren't alive when all the other UK monarchs were married. The memory is something to pass down to our grandchildren."

There are traditionally telegrams at weddings from guests who couldn't make it. But in a more 21st Century fashion, the royal couple have been sent some good wishes and congratulations from the International Space Station.

Writing in the Australian newspaper, Emma-Kate Symons says Kate Middleton is "the idealised expression of modern Britain and, by extension, Australia. Middle class, socially fairly conservative, pragmatic, materialistic, bland but always aspirational, Kate is the female embodiment of many of our society's values." This, she writes, means Australia is "very likely stuck with the British monarchy for longer than expected".

Just looking over at the abbey and a queue of guests - all in their finery - is building up. Plenty of military uniforms among them.

When it comes to the religious roles for the day, the Dean of Westminster will conduct the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury will marry the couple, and the Bishop of London - a personal friend of Prince Charles - will give the address.

There will be some controversial faces among the 1,900 guests at Westminster Abbey. Among them are Swaziland's King Mswati III - Africa's last absolute monarch. He arrived in London with an entourage numbering up to 50, including at least one of his 14 wives. The BBC's southern Africa correspondent says protesters are planning to disrupt his visit, after he quashed planned pro-democracy protests back home last month.

Perhaps surprisingly, it's first-come-first-served for the majority of guests inside the abbey. No wonder they're queuing already!

Also on reporting duties is former Conservative MP Michael Portillo, working for a Sunday newspaper. "It's quite an amazing atmosphere actually, even better than I thought," he says.

We can now see inside the abbey for the first time since it was shut for public viewing on Tuesday. It's been transformed with a red carpet and an avenue of field maples. Apparently, Miss Middleton was very keen to bring nature into the service.

After today the trees will be planted at Highgrove House. Maples, by the way, traditionally represent modesty.

Price of flags has dropped to a pound. Wish the chap selling vuvuzelas would clear off.

Royal commentator Katie Nicholl tells the BBC that Kate's sister Pippa is her rock, her best friend. Today Pippa is maid of honour and as well as helping the bride, she'll have a gaggle of small bridesmaids and page boys to control.

A procession of hats and fascinators - those floral or feathery adornments worn in the hair, for the uninitiated - are filing into the abbey.

For the thousands of people lining the route, large speakers will broadcast the wedding service, and there are big screens in Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square.

Sir Clive Woodward, former England rugby coach, is talking to the BBC before he takes his seat in the abbey. He says he feels a bit nervous on William and Kate's behalf - but also very "proud to be British". He says both William and Harry are big rugby fans and "genuine guys".

We've just spotted several mini-buses heading to Goring Hotel which we think contain the bridesmaids and page boys. The bridesmaids are: Lady Louise Windsor, seven years old, the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wesses; the Hon Margarita Armstrong-Jones, aged 8, daughter of Viscount Linley; Grace van Cutsem, 3, Prince William's god-daughter; and Eliza Lopes, also aged three, grand-daughter of the Duchess of Cornwall.

The first pictures from inside Westminster Abbey

Eight trees line the aisle.

A veteran of royal weddings is Jill Sutton - she was on The Mall to watch Charles and Diana 30 years ago. "It's just the atmosphere and excitement, everyone is so happy. I wouldn't miss it," she says.

As the camera pans around the abbey, the floral arrangements are finally on display. The high altar is dressed with foliage and flowers, setting off some of the abbey's treasures that have been put on display for the occasion.

Japan's Imperial family will not be among the dignitaries gathering at Westminster Abbey. Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako were due to go, but they cancelled their plans following the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March.

Sir John Madejski, chairman of Reading Football Club, has arrived at the abbey. He tells the BBC that all guests have been told to bring a utility bill. He went for council tax. We wonder what that's all about...

The Prince of Wales's spokesman, Paddy Harverson, describes how Kate has handled the last few days. "I've seen her every day this week, she's been in cracking form, really relaxed, that's what's amazed us all. Really taking it in her stride. Clearly, today, I bet she's a bag of nerves, but she's just been wonderful. Having her family with her all week and staying at the Goring last night as a family I think has really helped."

"Perhaps more than any other single event, the royal wedding Friday is exposing the members of the British royal family for what they really are: the original global celebrities," Anthony Faiola writes in the Washington Post. "Although the sun set long ago on the British Empire, the royals, for all their foibles, still give this quaint and foggy land outsize importance."

The Rolls Royce that will take Miss Middleton to the abbey is now making it's way to her hotel. The good news is it's got pretty big windows so hopefully we'll get a decent view of that frock!

The number of onlookers arriving on The Mall has noticeably increased in the last half hour.

Prince Harry's on-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy has arrived at the abbey - her dress is emerald green and the outfit is topped off with a fascinator.

Head adornments appear to be pretty much mandatory for the ladies. Some are very traditional - pill box shapes and the like - but others are much more quirky. Just spotted a red one that looks a bit like a treble clef.

The crowds on The Mall are being entertained with some stirring music from various military bands.

Here's a shot of Miss Middleton's car on its way to her hotel.

The big windows should hopefully let us see the dress

Lucy Yeomans, editor of Harper's Bazaar, tells Sky News that a lot of people are having fun with their outfits. Chelsy Davy, however, has opted for a very modest dress by Alberta Ferreti, she adds.

Sean lives in Dubai but travelled back to the UK to watch the wedding on the big screen in Hyde Park. He told Al-Jazeera the event had made him proud to be British. "Having this just brings people together. It's a global community, it's not just English, not just British - there are so many communities from across the world who are part of this."

First real excitement as a band makes their way up The Mall. Most people could only see the tops of their bearskin helmets.

The Beckhams have arrived. Victoria is wearing a dark slash-neck dress from her own autumn-winter 2011 collection. She's also sporting a small circular hat perched on the front of her head. Husband David has gone for a Ralph Lauren suit, slicked-back hairstyle and a pale grey tie and wing-collared white shirt. His CBE medal is pinned to his lapel.

Libby from Ohio was waiting outside Buckingham Palace to spot the wedding procession. She told the BBC watching someone become a princess was "the next best thing" to being one herself.

tweets: Westminster Abbey has a 3D app of the inside of the Abbey, showing the route Catherine Middleton will take http://bit.ly/dIycZB #rw2011

The Beckhams arrive at the abbey.

David wearing Ralph Lauren and Victoria wearing her own creation

Among the many horses parading today will be William and Catherine, Valerian and Viper (named after a character from the movie Top Gun), and Beatrice (named after the princess of York).

Earl Spencer, William's uncle, has arrived at the abbey. We've also spotted a few more famous faces - comic Rowan Atkinson and Australian swimming champion Ian Thorpe, aka the Thorpedo.

Sam Waley-Cohen, champion jockey and friend of Prince William, says he thinks Kate will be "absolutely terrified" this morning. We're told that Mr Waley-Cohen played an instrumental role in getting the couple back together after they split in 2008.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who says he slept on The Mall for Charles and Diana's wedding, tells Sky News: "It's a young couple who love each other but it's also about the invaluable institution of the monarchy. People will be watching all across the world and seeing the best of British."

Another eye-catching hat, this time from socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson - her's is electric blue and very tall. It's sat forward on her head like Victoria Beckham's.

Prime Minister David Cameron is now talking to the BBC's Matt Baker. He's wearing a morning suit - you might remember "tails-gate" - and says he hopes the people who slept outside last night weren't too uncomfortable. He says Miss Middleton and Prince William will bring "humour and a great sense of duty" to the Royal Family.

The prime minister says his gift to the couple is a collection of photographs of Anglesey so that wherever they end up they can remember their time there fondly.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson says he's hired his suit from Pam at Moss Bros in London's Fenchurch Street. He tells the BBC his present for the couple is a tandem bicycle - fitting given the "Boris bike" hire scheme that's been rolled out across London.

A band is playing some cheesy disco classics. Helping to build a party atmosphere.

A number of politicians are walking down the red carpet in the abbey now. Just spotted Speaker of the Commons John Bercow and his wife. TV presenter Ben Fogle and film director Guy Ritchie are also milling about.

Miss Middleton's hairdressers Richard Ward and James Price have told the BBC they've had quite a few practice runs to get today's do right - although they're not giving us any clues on what it'll be like. They say they feel really honoured to be involved.

Here comes Sir John Major. The former prime minister was appointed as a guardian to William when his mother died. He won't be joined by his Labour successors Tony Blair and Gordon Brown though - they weren't invited.

Elton John and David Furnish have arrived. Elton is wearing a bespoke Richards James morning suit, while his partner is in Henry Poole.

Just to keep you up to speed on the timetable. We're expecting William and Harry at the abbey by 1015 BST. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are due at 1042 and the Queen and Prince Philip at 1045.

More politicians are arriving, including Home Secretary Theresa May. She often goes for quite adventurous fashion statements, but today she looks relatively conservative (or should that be a big C?) in a beige frock coat and matching hat.

It's just 15 minutes before the princes leave Clarence House for the abbey. Miss Middleton and William will travel separately to the abbey in State cars. These cars travel at around 9mph (14km/h) on processional occasions, and sometimes as slow as 3mph.

Two choirs, one orchestra and two fanfare teams will perform the music at the wedding.

An hour to go until the bride walks down the aisle. Stick with us.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has arrived - wearing peach. Despite her republican views, Ms Gillard has said that having been invited "it's appropriate that I attend".

David and Samantha Cameron have just entered the abbey. Mrs Cameron is wearing a short-sleeved, jade green, knee-length dress. She's one of few women to shun a hat - opting for a jewelled hair clip instead.

Foreign Secretary William Hague arrives with wife Ffion in a wheelchair with what appears to be a broken leg.

The prime minister and his wife joined deputy PM Nick Clegg and Chancellor George Osborne and their respective wives.

Samantha Cameron carried a bright orange wrap

Chants of "We want Will" ringing out.

There are wild screams from the crowd as William and Harry emerge, resplendent in their military uniforms. The princes wave back with big smiles on their faces.

Mother-of-the-bride Carole Middleton has reportedly gone for a sky blue silk Catherine Walker dress. She'll also be wearing a matching blue frock coat.

The crowds got a good view of the princes as they made the short journey.

William is wearing the uniform of Colonel in the Irish Guards

William gives another wave to the crowds outside the abbey as the bells ring out in celebration. In the doorway, he takes off his white gloves and hat - and quickly smoothes down his hair.

The princes are now led right through the abbey by the Receiver General. Once at the front they say hello to select guests, including the Spencer family.

The princes have now gone off into a private room. As they do so, other foreign royals are continuing to arrive. Prince Albert of Monaco and the King of Tonga have just walked in.

Kate's mother Carole and brother James are now on their way from the Goring Hotel to the abbey.

"I'm so excited," a young US woman on the royal wedding route tells BBC World Service. "We used to put posters of William and Harry on our walls - and now they are coming down the street!"

At last, some action. Series of cars and minibuses head up the Mall. People perched on railings providing essential commentary as it's rather tricky to see from the back.

Prince William "doesn't look nervous at all - he's just beaming ear to ear," Yvonne Yorke, royal correspondent for the Huffington Post, tells BBC World Service.

Carole Middleton and her son James arrive at the abbey. The mother of the bride is wearing a very pale, almost ice blue outfit, while her son is in a tail coat.

Mrs Middleton's outfit is by Catherine Walker, a favourite designer of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. We understand she went through a number of possible outfits before settling on this one.

The Duke of York and his daughters, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, leave the palace. There's another burst of screaming from the crowds as they drive down The Mall.

Members of the extended Royal Family arrive at the abbey. They include the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra.

Mrs Middleton's outfit was an instant hit with fashion commentators.

Carol Middleton and her son James

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall leave Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles and Camilla get a royal salute from the massed military as their car - a 1950 Phantom 4 - drives through Horse Guards Arch.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the abbey.

The Duchess of Cornwall is wearing a champagne silk dress and a duck egg blue and champagne coat. The dress and coat are both designed by Anna Valentine - the designer the duchess chose for her own wedding in 2005.

The Queen is wearing a bright yellow hat and coat. The Duke of Edinburgh is in red military attire.

The Queen's yellow outfit generates possibly the most excitement so far. "That was amazing," one woman shouts from atop a railing.

British historian Simon Schama told the BBC the wedding was "simultaneously magnificent and very simple". He said that if the monarchy is to survive, "which in my view it will, it has to have that cleverness about a simple connection with everybody in the country".

The Queen and Prince Philip are now entering the abbey to a dramatic trumpet fanfare from the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry.

We can now see Kate inside the car. Her hair is down, she's wearing a veil, and we can see her dress has long lace sleeves.

Miss Middleton is now waving at the crowds - just caught a glimpse of a tiara under her veil.

A quick snap of the Queen in yellow...

The Queen in matching hat and coat

Kate's sister and maid of honour Pippa Middleton arrives at the abbey with the young bridesmaids and page boys.

The page boys are 10-year-old Billy Lowther-Pinkerton, son of William's private secretary, and eight-year-old Tom Pettifer, son of William's friend Charles and also the prince's god-son.

Here comes the bride...

Kate Middleton on her way to the abbey

Pippa Middleton is wearing a long cream dress with a cowl neck.

Miss Middleton gets out of the car and we get a full view of the dress - which we now know was designed by Sarah Burton.

She is now walking into the abbey on her father's arm. The dress has a long full skirt, the top is a fitted bodice with long French Chantilly lace sleeves. The tiara has been loaned to Kate by the Queen. The train is 2.17m long.

The first real glimpse of that dress...

Kate's dress is by British designer Sarah Burton

The BBC's Ed Stourton, who is inside the abbey, says some of those young bridesmaids and page boys look terrified as they enter the huge building.

William and Harry are now taking their place at the front of the abbey.

Pippa Middleton is holding the hands of two little bridesmaids.

Kate has lifted her veil. The Guardian newspaper reported that Prince William said "you look beautiful" when she arrived at his side.

Dean of Westminster has started the ceremony.

Just a quick note. The live page is proving hugely popular and the demand is giving us a few headaches with our video feeds. Bear with us please, we're working on it.

The Archbishop of Canterbury asks if any man can show just cause why they cannot be joined, let him speak now. There is silence.

William and Kate are both speaking their wedding vows.

Catherine, taking Prince William by his right hand, says after the Archbishop: I, Catherine Elizabeth, take thee, William Arthur Philip Louis, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.

The Archbishop blesses the ring: Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives' end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prince William takes the ring and places it upon the fourth finger of Catherine's left hand. It took a bit of a push, but it's on.

William and Kate kneel as the Archbishop blesses them both.

"I pronounce that they be man and wife," says the Archbishop.

The couple knelt together at the altar...

Kate's brother James is now giving a reading.

Kate and William, sitting by the altar, smile at each other as James continues to read.

The choir now sing an anthem by John Rutter which has been especially composed for this service.

The creator of Kate's dress, designer Sarah Burton, of Alexander McQueen, has described the bride as looking "absolutely stunning". She says it was the "experience of a lifetime" to create the gown.

A straw poll of the crowd provides a firm thumbs up for Kate's dress. "Glamorous in its simplicity," says Simon Wolf from Brighton in Sussex. "Wow," says Fiona Howard. "She's an exquisite beauty. Carrying herself with grace."

Professional lipreader Tina Lannin tells the Press Association that Prince William cracked a joke to his future father-in-law at the altar, telling him: "We were supposed to have just a small family affair."

Richard Chartres, Lord Bishop of London, is now giving an address. He says many people are feaful of the prospects for the world. But this is a joyful day, it is good that people in every continent are able to share. This day is a day of hope, he says.

The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge listen to the address.

The motet Ubi caritas et amor - said to be a real favourite of the couple - is now being sung.

Meanwhile, a bit more on the dress. We understand that some of the work on it was done by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court.

The couple are kneeling for the Lord's Prayer.

The Dean of Westminster reads a blessing for them, followed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Jerusalem, by William Blake, is now sung.

A final blessing is bestowed on the couple as they kneel again.

A fanfare is performed.

Everyone stands for the National Anthem.

The couple and witnesses move to a side chapel for the signing of the wedding registers. Three registers must be signed - two for the abbey and one royal register.

Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Pippa Middleton and Mr and Mrs Middleton follow the couple into the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor for the signings.

With impeccable timing, the sun has come out in central London.

The future queen's dress has been praised as "elegant and chic" by German couturier Karl Lagerfeld. He told French TV: "It's very pretty, and relatively classic, but that goes with the decor, with a little touch of the 1950s."

The witnesses are returning from the side chapel to take their seats.

A further fanfare sounds, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk down the aisle.

The London Chamber Orchestra is playing Crown Imperial as the couple, holding hands, bow to the Queen.

They continue the long walk, followed by two bridesmaids, two page boys, Pippa Middleton walking beside her brother-in-law Prince Harry, Prince Charles beside Mrs Middleton and the Duchess of Cornwall beside Mr Middleton.

The BBC's Ed Stourton, reporting from inside the abbey, says Prince William doesn't seem able to stop smiling as he and his new wife walk down the aisle.

They emerge from the abbey and pause. Cue rapturous applause and cheers as the bells of the abbey ring out.

The path from the Great West Door to the West Gate of the abbey is lined with 24 members of the Armed Forces - selected for their achievements or links to the prince.

As the newlyweds get into their carriage, the BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, outside the abbey, notes that despite predictions, the rain has held off in London.

They wave to the crowds, Prince William wearing white gloves. Coachmen in full livery sit behind them.

The couple are now driving along Whitehall, past the Cenotaph, where one day, as King, William will lay a wreath on Remembrance Day.

En route to the palace as man and wife...

The flag-waving has reached fever pitch as the carriage turns into Horse Guards' Parade.

Turning into Horse Guards means the procession slows down to negotiate the narrow archway of the entrance. This gives the crowds nearby an extra special view.

There are 18 horses taking part in the royal procession - all of them are Windsor Greys or Cleveland Bay breed, stabled in the Royal Mews near Buckingham Palace.

The couple briefly held hands in the carriage as it passed through the gateway, but cameras caught the personal exchange - before the waving resumed.

There are five carriages altogether in the procession - for the couple, the Queen, the best man, the maid of honour, and for the parents of the couple. The Queen get a Sovereign's escort - bigger even than the newlyweds.

Prince Harry is waving enthusiastically in his carriage. The wedding carriage has entered The Mall.

Some of the people on The Mall have been waiting in the cold for this for days - they're going wild with delight now.

Approaching Buckingham Palace, the cheering and screaming is intense.

A quick note for our international users - please hit refresh for updated live video of the royal procession.

A snippet of the National Anthem is played again as the carriages go through the gates of the palace.

The Royal Family will now gather inside the palace for photos and then the balcony appearance is expected at 1325-1330 BST.

Royal Household staff are on hand to greet the couple. Prince William helps her - and her dress - out of the carriage.

Quite a sight...

Arranging her train, the couple pause before entering the palace with page boys and bridesmaids behind.

The Queen gets a cheer as she waves to the crowds before entering the palace. The clatter of all the hooves almost drowns out the crowd for a moment.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are travelling with Michael and Carole Middleton and are the last carriage to drive into Buckingham Palace.

Kate Lewis, 32, from Putney got the perfect shot of the waving couple on The Mall, courtesy of her 6ft 2in husband James' shoulders. "It was magical," she says.

"I can see a South African flag, I can see a Canadian flag, I can see a Brazilian flag - there are messages saying congratulations from the Cayman Islands. I think there is a real blend of this being a very British occasion, but also being one of international interest - and really testament to how many people are listening and watching around the world."

There's a hiatus in events now until that balcony appearance, but we can tell you a bit more about the bride's ensemble. Her earrings are a wedding day gift from her parents. Created by Robinson Pelham, they are diamond-set, stylised oak leaves with a pear-shaped diamond set drop and a pave-set diamond acorn suspended in the centre.

BBC News website users from around the world have been sending their reaction to the wedding and pictures showing how they are celebrating the day

George Spurs celebrated at a street party in Thailand.

Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk

The official photographs will be taken by Hugo Burnand in the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace. He has snapped Prince William privately before, and was the official photographer at Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla.

One to tug the heart-strings a bit... two of the bridesmaids were just three years old. This is Eliza Lopes, the Duchess of Cornwall's grand-daughter.

Three-year-old Eliza looked a bit overwhelmed at times

Over in Hyde Park, thousands have been cheering non-stop. Apparently confetti was thrown into the air when the couple were wed.

Back on The Mall, military bands are continuing to march as the crowd shuffles towards the palace for that all-important balcony moment.

The BBC's Tom Geoghegan, is at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel ballroom in Washington DC, where nearly 200 people have been up since 4am - on a normal working day - to watch the royal wedding. He says applause rang out when the couple left the abbey. And every sight of Prince Harry gets a cheer. They love him here.

Keyana Corliss, 25, from Virginia, is one of those in that Washington ballroom. She tells our correspondent the highlight so far has been seeing the bride in her dress. "We've been trying to guess what the dress would be like ever since they got engaged. She has such an amazing sense of style. You just want to be happy for her, it's been like watching a friend get married. I was so emotional, I got goosebumps."

After the balcony moment, events will continue for the rest of the day. First, there'll be a lunchtime reception at the palace for 650 people, hosted by the Queen. The guests have been selected from the couple's private and official lives.

In the evening, there will be a private dinner followed by dancing for 300 people hosted by the Prince of Wales.

The Mall is filling fast and police officers, both mounted and on foot, are also moving forward. Everyone wants to get within sight of the balcony.

More delight in the County Antrim town of Carrickfergus at the announcement that Prince William has become its Baron. Town mayor Jim McClurg said the news had come as a complete surprise. "We certainly hope this means we can expect a special royal visitor in the near future," he said.

The Queen, expected on the balcony with the rest of the wedding party, will leave for a weekend away after hosting the lunch reception, giving over Buckingham Palace for William and Kate's black-tie party in the evening. It means the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will miss Prince Harry's best man's speech and Michael Middleton's father-of-the-bride address.

A lot of people want to see this kiss...

The crowd approaching Buckingham Palace

Police said earlier that 70 anti-royal wedding protesters had gathered in Red Lion Square, in central London, and another 10 wearing masks were in Soho Square.

Kate and William will be looking out on a cheering mass of humanity.

There's been a clash between pro- and anti-royal wedding demonstrators in Edinburgh. Lothian and Borders police had to move on around 15 to 20 pro-monarchists from a republican rally outside St Giles Chathedral off the city's Royal Mile. About 60 people had been protesting against the royal wedding and the cost to the public purse when a group of wedding supporters began waving the Union flag, singing songs and shouting threats of violence.

Historian Simon Schama tells the BBC there were lighter moments during the pomp and ceremony. "There were wonderful close-ups of him chatting to her, of the two brothers larking around - so everybody responded to that, and then the moments that were solemn were gloriously solemn."

Police are gradually letting the crowds round the Queen Victoria memorial outside Buckingham Palace and closer to the gates. People are running to get the best spots.

The BBC's Michael Bristow in Beijing says the wedding was shown on several of the main networks in China and has been followed with great interest. But not everyone was watching, he says. Many people are just looking forward to the long holiday that the May Day weekend brings.

Less than 10 minutes until we're expecting the balcony doors to open.

The balcony curtains twitched. And the crowds are still moving forward.

The balcony doors have opened.

The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family are appearing with the newly-wed couple.

The Middletons are also on the balcony.

A second kiss! The bridesmaids and page boys are smiling and waving, and the Queen surveys the throngs.

A flypast over Buckingham Palace has taken place. Seven aircraft flew in formation, including a Spitfire, Hurricane and a Lancaster in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight formation, followed 32 seconds later by two Tornado planes and two Typhoons in the Windsor formation.

Here it is...

The family go inside but the couple give a final wave. William takes his wife's hand, she turns for one last look at the crowds and they head inside. The balcony doors close.

The private events now get fully under way, with the lunch reception first.

George Spurs has been celebrating in Hua Hin, Thailand. He told the BBC: "We are having a party between two bars with BBC World coverage, then a big party after with all the British music and free bangers and mash and cucumber sandwiches."

The BBC's Kevin Mwachiro reports from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, where one group were watching the ceremony in a mock church - a raffle was being held with the first prize a night in the cabin Kenya where Prince William proposed to Kate.

Meanwhile, back on The Mall - and on a rather more prosaic note - the clean-up operation is already well under way, says the BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse. Already, no sign of horse droppings are left on the procession route.

More on the royal couple's new titles. The Bishop of Ely, Stephen Conway, is "delighted" the Queen has made them Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. "The Queen honours us in Cambridge and across East Anglia," he says.

We're starting to hear from some of the abbey guests. Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, a friend of Prince Charles, said: "I'm glad I was wearing waterproof mascara. I thought they were wonderful, it was absolutely spellbinding. It makes you very patriotic and very, very proud. I think she did us all and herself so proud."

Here's a wide shot of the balcony - and one of the kisses.

Another wedding guest, the TV presenter Ben Fogle, said the atmosphere in the abbey was electric and security was so tight he was carrying a water utility bill to prove his identity.

Rebecca Shilling, 29, from London, summed up the feelings of many younger members of the crowd. "This is our generation, I'm the same age as William and we grew up with him."

One member of the armed forces' cavalry regiment made the day more of a personal event - by proposing to his girlfriend while mounted on his horse ready for the wedding procession. Staff Corporal Darren Daniels popped the question to girlfriend Keryl Jones in full ceremonial uniform as he rode out of Hyde Park Barracks. She said yes.

It's worth noting that the British weather defied all gloomy predictions this morning and there was no rain to dampen proceedings.

Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, said his nephew's wedding had been "incredibly beautiful". "It was very moving and the only downside on a perfect day was Diana not being there, but what a wonderful day," he said.

Among the religious leaders attending the service was the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, who is confident the wedding will boost enthusiasm for formal religious ceremonies. "I think any young couple thinking of it will have seen what happened today and say, 'You know, we want something a little sacred, a little solemn.' So I think it's going to be very good news for the future of marriage." He added: I just think they're role models for a whole generation."

The white rose, the shamrock, the thistle and the daffodil are all featured on the wedding cake, representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We can't wait to see a picture of it - we'll bring it to you when we can.

The canape selection is getting our mouths watering... Cornish crab salad on lemon blini, poached asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce for dipping, quails eggs with celery salt and miniature Yorkshire pudding with roast fillet of beef and horseradish mousse are among the selection.

As promised, a picture of the cake has just been sent to us.

It's made up of 17 individual fruit cakes

The cake is made from 17 individual fruit cakes (12 of which form the base) and has eight tiers. It is decorated with cream and white icing and has up to 900 individually iced flowers and 17 different varieties of leaves.

The King of Tonga, George Tupou V, was among the guests at the wedding. "Like everybody in England I wish them all the very best," he said. "I think this wedding marks a page in England's ancient and distinguished history. It's a glorious day for England, I think."

For a sense of the scale of the crowds in London, police say one million people lined the route and 500,000 gathered outside Buckingham Palace.

Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton said the bride's choice of hairstyle marks "the death of the straightening iron". He told reporters: "It's all about a girl's best friend - the heated roller. This is definitely about the re-birth of the roller."

Don McKinnon, former secretary general of the Commonwealth, was inside Westminster Abbey for the ceremony. He tells BBC World Service it was "like a village on a Saturday morning," as guests chatted and networked before the bride and groom arrived.

Pop singer-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham, dressed in navy blue with a small hat tilted forwards, shied away from TV cameras after the service, saying only that the service and the bride's dress were "beautiful".

"Stellar - absolutely brilliant," was London Mayor Boris Johnson's verdict on the service. "I thought the archbish, the bishop, they were all on cracking form. I'm no expert on dresses but I thought that was a sensational dress. It was just wonderful to be there. I'm very, very proud."

Fashion commentators have been reacting to Kate's choice of frock. The Guardian's Jess Cartner-Morley says the choice of Sarah Burton was "a fist pump moment for British fashion". The Daily Telegraph's Hilary Alexander thought the dress was "fabulous, fashionable and fairytale".

Max, a student from Germany, said the standout moment of the day for him was the kiss. "It was great, we were all screaming 'kiss, kiss, kiss' and they did it. It was an amazing feeling."

Looking back at some of the outfits, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are competing for the title of most outlandish headwear.

The BBC's Chloe Tilley at Buckingham Palace says that as crowds were waiting for the couple to emerge on the balcony, it looked like some members of the Royal Family pulled back the curtains a little, to take photos of the thousands of people below.

The crowds are starting to trickle away. Some are having last photos taken by the palace, while others are stretching out in St James' Park for a well-earned rest

It's unclear whether the bunting was out, but Graham Smith, of the anti-monarchy pressure group Republic, attended a republican street party in London. He dismissed reports of two billion TV viewers as "a bit of fiction". Of the monarchy, he said: "I would tend to agree with this comment about it being this growing respectful indifference. But that makes it a much more fertile ground for us to make a persuasive case about the politics behind the monarchy, about the crown powers and how undemocratic we are."

Paddy Harverson, the royal couple's official spokesman, told BBC World Service the couple will not disappear in the coming months, but that the Duchess of Cambridge will need time to adjust. "Prince William is taking the lead on this and he has said that he wants Catherine to be given the time and space to grow into the role."

Many newly-married couples do the traditional line-up after their ceremony - but not everyone's includes dignatories like Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Kate Middleton meeting Julia Gillard

‎tweets: View photos of the McVities Chocolate cake, made for the reception bit.ly/k03rF3 #rw2011 #royalwedding

Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, who attended the wedding, said Prince William has now joined other members of the European royalty in marrying a commoner. "It is quite a lovely thing now, it's a true love story and I think it gives monarchy a great chance - a fairytale coming true, as one might put it."

Two more people have been arrested, say police, taking the total to 45. Scotland Yard says it is pleased with the way things have gone. One serious injury was averted, says the BBC's Danny Shaw, when a RAF member collapsed in Whitehall and narrowly missed landing on her bayonet.

The newly-weds are expected to emerge from Buckingham Palace any moment now. The Guard of Honour is poised for their departure.

A yellow Royal Air Force Sea King helicopter, the type Prince William flies in search and rescue operations, is spotted above The Mall.

Prince William and his new wife emerge in an open top car, apparently his father's Aston Martin. The prince is at the wheel. The registration plate reads "Just Wed" and balloons trail from the vehicle, decorated in red, white and blue ribbon.

More on the protests. The BBC's Danny Shaw says 10 of the 45 people arrested in the Charing Cross area were found to have climbing gear and anti-monarchy placards.

More reaction from wedding guests. Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Cardinal Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, said he was struck by the solemnity of the service. "What has happened today will make a lot of people think about the sanctity of marriage," he said.

Next to leave the palace is Prince Harry, together with his father the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, in a classic Rolls Royce limousine.

Other senior royals are off too. But the party's not over yet for 300 or so close friends and family invited to the Prince of Wales' black tie dinner later.

More details on the day's arrests. The total now stands at 52, says Scotland Yard, with almost half being held on suspicion of breaching the peace. Three carrying a climbing hat and protective pads were thought to be planning an environmental protest in Covent Garden.

Let's take a moment to reflect on what comes next now the knot has been tied. Paddy Harverson, Prince Charles's communications secretary, says it is realistic for the couple to return to a relatively private life in Anglesey. "The most important thing to remember is that he's not heir to the throne, he's second in line, and he's not a full-time royal, he's a full-time pilot working a normal job for the RAF search and rescue," he said. Over the last year, Prince William has struck a balance between public engagements and finding time to fly, he added, and was confident he could continue to do that.

The Queen leaves her London home after hosting the lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, she is flying to Scotland for a private weekend.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who is hosting a street party outside Number 10 Downing St, said it had felt like a fairytale inside Westminster Abbey.

Something no-one was expecting...

Paula Reed, style director of Grazia magazine, said when she saw trees and wild flowers going into the abbey, she thought it could be very low-key. "Maybe this is a young woman who'd rather get married barefoot in a barn and is going to play it very low-key," she said. "Turned out it was a spectacular fashion statement. A style statement, not a fashion statement, because style statements last, fashion statements pass."

David Cameron says his lasting memory of the day will be seeing William and Kate make their vows at the altar. "Although it was a grand occasion, that was a family wedding moment. It was incredibly intimate and moving." He also said singing Jerusalem in the abbey with an orchestra made him feel like "the roof was going to lift off - there's no greater country and better place to be than right here, right now".

Elsewhere in London, celebrations are continuing. Trafalgar Square, a hub for big parties and events, saw more than 10,000 revellers gather, according to security staff. They watched the service on giant screens, waving souvenir flags.

Bride at the next big royal wedding will be Zara Phillips, the Princess Royal's daughter. Whether she was looking for tips for her own big day was unclear, but she said of today's wedding: "It was great - amazing." Zara, who was wearing a silver Paul Costelloe coat, wide-brimmed Philip Treacy hat and Jimmy Choo shoes, is marrying rugby player Mike Tindall in Edinburgh in July.

The excitement of his first street party was a bit too much for six-week-old Ted Keogh.

A flawless day? Not for everyone. Two horses lining the royal procession lost their riders, says the BBC's Danny Shaw. One horse returned to its stableyard, while the other was captured by a police officer from the mounted branch.

Not sure a verger cartwheeling through the abbey was on the royal couple's meticulously planned order of service.

A few more arrests - the total is now at 55. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Lynne Owens has described the policing operation as an "amazing success" which should convince everyone the Metropolitan Police can handle security at next year's London Olympics. She said some members of the public had been "chanting" police officers' names after they built up a rapport with the crowds.

Charles Anson, former press secretary to the Queen, offers some advice to the newest member of the Royal Family. He says the Duchess of Cambridge should take her relationship with the press slowly and not plunge into public life too quickly. "The monarchy does live in a fish bowl," he says.

Here's something to whet your appetite as teatime approaches. It's made from a Royal Family recipe.

One of two wedding cakes, made with chocolate biscuits, that was specially requested by the prince

More reaction to the duchess's dress. Fashion designer Caroline Castigliano tells BBC World Service: "This was a beautifully understated, exquisitely tailored, classic wedding gown. She looked fabulous because it actually showed her style."

And it looks set to spark a flurry of copycat designs. Dan Rentillo, design director at the big US wedding retailer David's Bridal, said he was watching "pen in hand, ready to take notes" at 0200 Los Angeles time. The sketches will be approved within hours, ready for dressmakers to begin work on a prototype.

Might the wedding give Britain's economy a big boost? Bruce Orwell, London bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, doesn't think so. "Closing your eyes and feeling good for a day does not make a gigantic deficit and joblessness go away," he says.

Crowds outside Buckingham Palace appear not to want to leave as TV crews continue to broadcast to countries around the world.

A final note on the cartwheeling verger. A Westminster Abbey spokesman said: "The verger, like all of us, was very pleased the service had gone according to plan and was expressing his exuberance." It is understood he is unlikely to get into any trouble.

As our live coverage starts to wind down, things look set to continue late into the night for many. Three hundred or so close friends and family of the royal couple will be back at Buckingham Palace shortly for a party. And for those celebrating around the country, there's the potential to carry on partying for another three days, before the bank holiday is over.

So that's your lot. The happy couple are now about to enjoy a disco with friends and family, that chocolate cake and perhaps a little tipple after a spectacular day that passed without a hitch. Thanks for joining our live coverage.