By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Crowd control: Police officers stand in front of Royal supporters on The Mall along the processional route


London was a blanket of red, white and blue as a million well-wishers came together to catch a glimpse of Prince William and Kate Middleton's fairy-tale wedding.

Waving Union Jacks, the crowds roared with excitement as the newlyweds said their vows at Westminster Abbey before travelling in an open-top carriage to Buckingham Palace.

Thousands then waited at the palace gates to see the couple's first public kiss - and were treated to two. Thousands more were watching on giant screens across London in Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and at many more gardens, squares and street parties.


Monarchy mania: It was estimated that a million people thronged the streets of London for the Royal Wedding


Devoted fans: Thousands of Americans joined the huge crowds waiting in anticipation of the couple's first kiss on Buckingham Palace balcony


Wedding crowd: Hyde Park is eclipsed by the throngs who came together to watch Prince William marry Kate Middleton


Let's party! Trafalgar Square wave and cheer in unison for the Royal couple



A new beginning: Crowds cheer as Kate Middleton travels in a Rolls Royce Phantom VI, accompanied by her father Michael Middleton to Westminster Abbey


Capturing the historic moment: Thousands of camera phones are held aloft outside Westminster Abbey


A nation united: Hundreds of thousands of royal supporters line the procession route to watch the momentous occasion


All a flutter: British flags as far as the eye can see at Buckingham Palace


Westminster City Council said the Royal wedding was the capital's largest ever event. Paul Reid, head of operations, said he estimated nearly a million people were on the streets of London.

As Kate Middleton was driven past crowds of well-wishers outside her new London home Clarence House, she looked happy and relaxed as she waved to spectators.

Crowds drummed up the loud chant 'We want Kate, we want Kate' in the moments before she arrived.

They waved flags and cheered as the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI went past, with Miss Middleton sat next to her father Michael.

Kenneth Fox, 48, who travelled from his home city of New York for the occasion, said: 'I'm an American and I had to choke back tears. She looked beautiful, she was gorgeous. William is a very lucky guy.'


Flying the flag: Hyde Park was packed with young people enjoying the festivities


Love is in the air: As the couple leave Westminster Abbey, showers of confetti land on revellers in Hyde Park


Thousands of people had gathered in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park to watch the wedding on giant screens. Revellers had to pass through barriers and were subjected to searches by security guards. Many said they had given up hope of finding a place on the procession route.

Street-sweeper John Slingsby was heading to the square. 'This is the proudest day of my life,' he said. 'I've been working all hours recently and I'm on my way to Trafalgar Square to join in the celebrations.'

Angela Fitzgerald, 56, from Islington, north London, said William looked 'dashing and handsome'.

She said: 'The uniforms looked fabulous. And when the Queen came past, there were tears in my eyes. We got really emotional.'


Celebration as the Royal Couple return to Buckingham Palace



source: dailymail