Perfect day to lift mood of a nation

THE wedding is over. After months of preparation, the rehearsals and family dramas, the day ran smoothly.

Now, the bunting comes down and life returns to normal.

But a spectacle like yesterday’s will live long in the memory.

It was a ceremony that showed the royals have embraced the 21st century. Even seasoned royal watchers said there was a different feel to it.

The weather helped but it was the happiness of the couple and love of their friends that really warmed the nation’s heart.

This was no strait-laced affair. This was a pair of young people enjoying the most important day of their lives.

It was less the nuptials of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, more the fun-filled wedding of Harry and Meghan.

The tradition was there, of course. The wonderful music and the beautiful setting of Windsor.

Meghan looked stunning, Harry dashing, the flower girls and page boys cute. But it was the unexpected that made it special.

The modernised vows, clearly something the newlyweds had thought long and hard about.

Harry’s admission he was ahem - nervous when he saw his bride arrive.

And the pastor, with a speech that seemed neverending he caused stifled laughter among even some of the stuffier royals. But it was all part of the fun. We were enjoying a man enjoying being part of this most special occasion. The guest list was A-list. Normally the commentary is a list of dreary Viscounts and Baronets, distant cousins, and minor celebs. This was an eclectic mix of sportsmen, Hollywood stars and entertainment giants, who made a great spectacle even greater. So we thank the happy couple and their friends for sharing their big day with us.

We have just emerged from a long, cold winter. Even the heatwave of a couple of weeks ago felt like a false start.

But this happy couple have delivered the promise of summer. It feels like the whole country can start looking forward. The feelgood factor has arrived.

With the World Cup on the horizon it looks set to continue.

So good luck to the happiest of couples, Harry and Meghan.

They have lifted the spirits of the nation, and we wish them both the very best.