Nation celebrates after William and Kate wed

Some 500,000 people lined procession route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey today to watch a piece of history with the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Kate looked stunning in an ivory gown and carrying a bridal bouquet of flowers that included sweet Williams.

The Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Rev Dr John Hall greeted her as she arrived at the abbey, while the Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service.

The sermon was delivered by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Chartres, who spoke of the call upon husbands and wives to “give themselves to one another”.

“I pray that everyone present and the many millions watching this ceremony and sharing in your joy today will do everything in their power to support and uphold you in your new life. I pray that god will bless you in the way of life you have chosen,” he said.

The bishop concluded his sermon by reading out a prayer written by the couple for the occasion in which they thanked God “for the love that we share and the joy of our marriage”.

“In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy,” the prayer reads.

“Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

After the ceremony, ecstatic crowds waved union jacks and cheered at the sight of the couple in their open-top carriage and on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, when they sealed their union with a kiss.

Some in the crowd had camped out in front of the abbey and along the Mall for days to secure the best spot.

Well wishers out on the streets of London included thousands of Americans who flew over just to be part of the occasion. Millions more across Britain and around the world turned on their TVs to watch the couple say their vows.

People are continuing on the celebrations with street parties, barbecues and impromptu gatherings in town centres, churches, pubs, parks and cafes.

The sun defied gloomy weather forecasts for Friday to break through the clouds just as the wedding was unfolding. It has continued to shine in most places, allowing the thousands of scheduled street parties to go ahead as planned.