‘After years of exile in the outer orbit’

Jack and had thought very much the same, hence this choice of reading. The dean took it as the theme of a sermon which stuck to its five-minute slot to the second.

As a princess of York, eugenie had asked the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, to say the prayers, after which the bridal party retreated to sign the three registers.

The couple reappeared for the national anthem and the bride’s traditional knee- scraping curtsey to the Queen. At which point, i caught one of the most poignant images of the day as the bride’s parents watched their youngest daughter step out in to the world as a married woman.

The marital woes of the Duke and Duchess of York might have been dissected more publicly than almost anyone’s over the years but there were the two of them side by side, almost overwhelmed.

Outside, the Scottish state coach was waiting, the weather being deemed too risky for an open Ascot landau. Pulled by four Windsor greys, the couple set off on a procession which has invoked much carping. The purported £2million security cost of this section of the proceedings was a ludicrous exaggeration (unless Thames Valley Police pay their officers footballers’ wages).

St George’s hall and the state apartments had been decked out exactly as per last time for speeches and the cutting of the cake. There was no shortage of musical talent, including James Blunt, Ricky Martin, ellie Goulding and, of course, proud dad, Robbie Williams.

historians will certainly be keen to examine the wedding certificate.

how does a 21st century non-payroll princess fill in the box marked ‘profession’? And will this be the first time anyone has inscribed the royal marriage register with the words ‘tequila salesman’?