Celebration shared with the nation

base camp. He said: “Harry is such a great guy. I’ve had a chat with him, he’s perfect, just a normal guy. It’s a real honour to be here to see him today.”

Guests included 1,200 people who have “served their communities” and 200 people from charities and organisations supported by the newlyweds.

They were joined by about 100 pupils from two Windsor schools, 610 members of staff from the castle or regular worshippers at the chapel and 530 members of the royal households. Liam Watson, 29, from football charity for young people Coach Core Royal Foundation, said: “I found out I’d be invited when I was on honeymoon after my own wedding. I think Harry’s made a great choice.” Representatives of children’s charities Harry support, including Wellchild and Sentebale were also invited to the wedding. While council registrar Deborah King, 67, of Swindon, Wilts, attended with her daughter Stephanie King, 32. Deborah said: “Normally I’m the one orchestrating the weddings so to see the biggest wedding of the decade from the other side is incredible.” She joked: “If something goes wrong they could draft me.”

Ashley Chambers, 32, with Emma Heslip, 23, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most people will never get to say they were guests at a royal wedding.”

Many guests were surprised but overjoyed to be invited. Caroline Simpson, 60, and Kay Webb, 76, rescue and rehabilitate swans with Berkshire-based charity Swan Lifeline.

Mrs Webb said: “We are just absolutely thrilled to be here. Just delighted.”