PRINCESS EUGENIE’S DREAM DAY Inside the stunning royal wedding

It was a wedding fit for a princess – with a perfect party later

It was love at first sight,” Princess Eugenie told British TV show This Morning about the first time she saw Jack Brooksbank. “I was all butterflies and nervous. I remember being like ‘I really, really like this guy.

really want him to like me too. And then he gave me this huge windscreenwiper wave and I was like, ‘right, he likes me too!’”

Neither Jack nor Eugenie could have known that eight years after this chance meeting on the ski slopes of Verbier, Switzerland, they would be saying “I do” in front of 850 guests – and a worldwide TV audience of millions – inside St George’s Chapel.

Like the first royal wedding of 2018 – when Prince Harry wed Meghan Markle in May – the nuptials at Windsor Castle were full of pomp, glamour and tradition, and were hugely moving. “An incredible day, seeing two of the kindest and most lovely people in the world tie the knot,” comedian Jack Whitehall posted on Instagram shortly after the ceremony.

“Thank you for making us part of such a special day,” singer Ricky Martin added, alongside the quote: “Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow.”

Dressed in a dazzling long-sleeved gown by Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos, Eugenie arrived for her big day in a 1977 Rolls Royce Phantom VI – the same car used by Kate Middleton on her 2011 wedding day – shortly before 11am. On her head rested the Greville emerald Kokoshnik tiara, lent to her by Queen Elizabeth. In a suitably royal twist, her dress included a number of meaningful

symbols sewn into the fabric, with a Scottish thistle symbolising her love for Balmoral, and an Irish shamrock included as a nod to the heritage of her mother, Sarah Ferguson.

Entering the chapel to a specially written trumpet fanfare called Adventus, Prince Andrew escorted the bride past guests including Kate Moss, Demi Moore and Robbie Williams – whose 6-year-old daughter Theodora Rose joined Princess Charlotte as a flower girl (Prince George was a page boy).

The silk-like tenor voice of Andrea Bocelli provided musical accompaniment to a service that was as touching as it was inspiring. In a hugely brave choice, Eugenie stunned the audience and the thousands of wellwishers gathered outside by wearing a low-backed dress, displaying the long scar

she received as a result of surgery to treat her scoliosis aged 12. Until that moment, no-one other than her nearest and dearest knew the extent of the surgery, yet here she was baring her scars to the world in honour of the medical staff at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London. “She’s this bright, shining light,” Brooksbank said of his new bride during the This Morning interview, which aired on the morning of the wedding. At that moment we could all see why. After a romantic carriage ride through the streets of Windsor, where a crowd of 5000 braved the blustery autumn winds, the newlyweds joined their guests for a lunch reception in Windsor Castle. Eating beef in mini Yorkshire puddings and little Scotch eggs, the couple toasted their first moments of married life with a glass of Pol Roger Champagne before mingling with guests around their five-tier red velvet and chocolate wedding cake.

During his father-of-the bride speech, Prince Andrew is said to have joked about a moment where he once shouted at their dog, a Norfolk terrier also called Jack, to “get off the chair”, only for Eugenie’s then boyfriend to scarper instead. “the dog didn’t move. But Jack did!” Andrew said, to howls of laughter.

Following the reception, Eugenie and Jack stepped into an Aston Martin DB10 sports car – one of only eight produced for the 2015 Bond movie Spectre – to prepare for an evening party at Royal Lodge, the home of Prince Andrew on the Windsor Estate.

Dazzling for the second time in a blush silk gown from American designer Zac Posen, Eugenie accessorised the outfit with antique wheat-ear brooches borrowed from her grandmother, which she wore in her hair. Robbie Williams provided some impromptu entertainment, jumping on stage to sing some of his greatest hits as the guests partied long into the night.

This was followed by a carnival-themed second party on Saturday, featuring bumper cars, a carousel and also inflatable slides. Yet it was something that happened

40km away that was more telling.

Distant from the music and laughter, Eugenie’s wedding bouquet of lily of the valley, stephanotis pips, baby blue thistles, white spray roses, trailing ivy and myrtle was delicately placed on the grave of The Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey in London. It continued a tradition started by the late Queen Mother almost a century ago. As with the rest of the wedding it proved that this is a princess who understands the value of courage every bit as much as love.

Following the service, the newlyweds embarked on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Windsor before the celebrations began. Prince George (with sister Charlotte) was caught being cheeky during the ceremony.

Day! The couple’s pageboys and flower girls wore white, with the girls carrying small bouquets and wearing flowers in their hair. The glowing bride’s custom dress was developed one layer at a time, and the princess chose to go without a veil.

Prince Andrew was all smiles as he walked his youngest daughter into the chapel. Eugenie proudly shows off her scar. Fergie and Princess Beatrice both opted to wear rich tones on the day. Kate dazzled in a bright berry dress with matching burgundy accessories.“Princess Eugenie’s this bright, shining light” — Jack Brooksbank

Meghan donned a navy blue morning coat instead of a day dress.

Heavily pregnant Pippa arrived in a mosscoloured dress. Following their carriage tour, the pair arrived at the reception, where a two-day carnival-themed party began.

Zara Tindall’s oldest daughter Mia was a bridesmaid on the day.

Brooksbank arrived sans spectacles, but put them on so he could see his bride walk down the aisle. Once Eugenie was by his side, he took off his glasses and handed them to the best man.