Did they REALLY whittle down Kate's waist?

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Photoshop fail? It has been suggested that Kate's waist looks to have been slimmed down on this week's Grazia cover, pictured here alongside the original photograph. The Duke was also removed from the shot


Less than a week after the Royal Wedding, a glossy magazine has done the unthinkable and put the Duchess of Cambridge on its cover with what appears to be a slimmed-down waistline.

On the cover of this week's Grazia, Kate's waist appears to be much narrower than it should be in relation to her hips.

The photo, which appears to have been doctored from the original shot in which Kate was holding onto William's arm, clearly shows a discrepancy between the line of Kate's corset and the fabric of her Alexander McQueen skirt, giving the effect of having inches shaved off her middle.

It hardly seems necessary. Miss Middleton had already lost a great deal of weight ahead of her big day - with some indeed suggesting she had gone too far.

So was this a deliberate attempt to whittle down Kate waist - or was it simply a photoshop blunder?


Thin: Already svelte, Kate slimmed dramatically ahead of her wedding day


The photograph has reignited debate over what are said to be magazine editors' impossible aspirations for the female form, with some online commentators saying they believe the airbrushing act was no accident.

'We are not blind. Of course they made her slimmer. And she is already tiny,' says Lale.

Emily from Hampshire agrees: 'you can tell that picture has been airbrushed.'

Tammy replies: 'Yeah very sad. You could tell she'd slimmed down (from her already slim frame) before the wedding, and it wasn't ENOUGH. it'll never be enough.'

Website Jezebel pointed out the alleged alteration on their website, claiming that Grazia's designers had 'taken the liberty of slicing of slicing at the princess's already narrowed waist'.

The site alleged that Grazia's art department also looked to have elongated Kate's torso, using guide lines to show where the two photos differed.

'Even on your wedding day, met with near-universal praise for your look, apparently you could use a little slim-down help from the art department,' Jezebel wrote of Kate.

A photoshop expert said the effect could have been accidental: 'It appears that Grazia have tried to clone Kate Middleton’s left arm and replace it over the right one which was previously holding on to Prince William as they left the Abbey.

'In trying to replace her arm, it appears they have unintentionally tampered with her waistline.

He added, however, that any changes on such an iconic photo were ill-advised.
'On a photo that was likely to get as much attention worldwide as this one of Kate, it was unwise to alter it at all.'


source: dailymail

Days after two billion watched his wedding, Prince William returns to the day job

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Prince William returning to his RAF Valley in Anglesey today, days after his wedding was watched by two billion around the world


A few days ago his every move was watched by an estimated two billion people.

But today it was back to more familiar territory as Prince William returned to work at his RAF base in Anglesey.

Wearing sunglasses he was behind the steering wheel of an Audi seen arriving at the Air and Sea Rescue HQ.


Wearing sunglasses, Prince William drove into the Air and Sea Rescue HQ at RAF Valley


It was thought Prince William and his bride would honeymoon this week until it emerged that the new Duke of Cambridge had to return to work.

Despite his status as second in line to the throne he, like his colleagues, had to apply for leave like his colleagues.

He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail revealed this week that the couple are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to a tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave.


As her son-in-law returned to work, Carole Middleton and daughter Pippa were seen arriving back at their Berkshire home


Prince William had to delay his honeymoon as he was ordered to split his leave requests with colleagues


The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The Prince is not the only wedding guest who returned to their everyday life just days after the global event of the Royal Wedding.

Five days ago the Queen was the proud grandmother overseeing a wedding watched by two billion people.

But after the bank holiday it was back to the daily routine for the monarch yesterday as she visited Newmarket, Cambridge.


Refreshed: Five days after the wedding the Queen met children at Newmarket Day Centre

source: dailymail

Secrets of the royal snaps - a £1 worm!

By RICHARD KAY

Happy occasion: The Royal portrait with Eliza and her wiggly friend at the front, second from left


As Royal Family wedding portraits go, it was reassuringly traditional. But there was an unexpected guest in the line-up — and it kept the Duchess of Cornwall’s granddaughter Eliza Lopes smiling for the camera.

In her hand was a £1 ‘wiggly worm’ which Camilla revealed yesterday had been bought by her stepson Prince Harry especially for the occasion.

Yesterday, the Duchess revealed that she had been ‘terribly worried’ that three-year-old Eliza and the other bridesmaids might find the event overwhelming.


Happy occasion: The Royal portrait with Eliza and her wiggly friend at the front, second from left


When Eliza, whose mother Laura Lopes is Camilla’s daughter, looked scared at the roar of the crowd on the carriage ride from Westminster Abbey back to Buckingham Palace, best man Harry quickly pulled it out of his pocket to make the youngster laugh.

The trick worked so well that Eliza refused to hand the toy back and insisted on hanging on to it for the official wedding photographs, taken by society snapper Hugo Burnand.

The photographs were sent around the world — but no one has spotted the toy until now.

‘Did you see the wiggly worm? That was the funniest thing. I can’t believe no one has spotted it,’ Camilla said yesterday.

‘I was so worried about Eliza. She is such a lovely little thing and looked so gorgeous in her dress but it was a very big occasion for a child of her age.


source: dailymail

On the scent of every detail... the Duchess of Cambridge wore on her wedding day

By JENNIFER MADISON

Flower power: According to fragrance bloggers, Catherine was wearing the White Gardenia Petals fragrance by Illuminum on her wedding day


When the new Duchess of Cambridge walked down the aisle on April 29, the best-kept secret in fashion was finally revealed.

But while the world cooed over her Alexander McQueen gown, the perfume industry's noses were buzzing about what scent Catherine chose for her big day.

According to fragrance bloggers, Prince William's bride was wearing White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, a little-known British brand.


Delicate: The scent has notes of coconut, jasmine and amber wood


A description on the company website describes the £70 scent as 'fragrant as a vase of white flowers quivering in the breeze by an open window, this is a delicate and nuanced scent.'

It continues: 'The top note of coconut evokes a seaside location, while heart notes of muguet, ylang ylang and jasmine breeze bring a trio of white flowers into play.

'Amber wood underscores this capricious and light bouquet.'

They were a huge hit with Mr Boadi's former clients - Michelle Obama purchased three scents in 2009 - and the Illuminum brand followed shortly after.

The company is unsurprisingly thrilled by word that Catherine wore their product.
Illuminum spokesman Michael Donovan told BaseNotes.com: 'I am so proud!'


source: dailymail

The Disappearing Duchess: I’m going to be a housewife

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Just wed: Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, wants to savour being an ordinary RAF wife to her new husband Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge


The new Duchess of Cambridge will not become a full-time working royal for up to two years – because she wants to concentrate on being a housewife.

Despite a surge of public interest in the Royal Family following Friday’s wedding, Kate is refusing to conduct any public engagements without her husband for the foreseeable future.

There are only two or three joint events pencilled in over the next couple of months and aides admit the new bride intends to spend most of her time with her husband on Anglesey.


Commitments: Aides insist Kate 'will not be idle' and say that when William is on duty she will be 'pursuing other interests'


Well-placed sources have told the Mail that Kate wants to model herself on the Duchess of Cornwall, who insisted on only a ‘supporting role’ following her 2005 marriage to Prince Charles.

The new duchess has told friends she wants to enjoy life for as long as she can as an ‘ordinary RAF wife’ in the rented farmhouse the couple share in North Wales.

Her approach has the support of her husband who is keen not to throw Kate into the ‘bear-pit’ of public life and has cautioned aides to keep her commitments to a minimum.


Approval: Kate is said to have the support of the Queen who, as a newly-wed, lived in Malta for two years when Prince Philip was based there with the Navy


The only definite dates in her diary following her return from honeymoon are watching Prince William play in a couple of polo matches and key-note events next month including Trooping The Colour and the Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th birthday.

There are no plans for her to attend Royal Ascot with the Queen or join the rest of the royals at this summer’s palace garden parties.

‘She will, in time, become associated with her own charities but this won’t happen immediately as she wants to explore the fields that interest her first.’

Kate is said to have the support of the Queen who, as a newly-wed, lived in Malta for two years when Prince Philip was based there with the Navy. The monarch considers it one of her happiest periods.

‘Catherine wants to enjoy her time with William as an RAF wife,’ said a friend. ‘It’s so rare that someone in her position gets the chance to live as a normal wife and she intends to make the most of it.’

source: dailymail

Prince Harry's wedding day secret revealed

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Lord of the ring: Prince Harry walks sister of the bride and maid of honour Philippa Middleton down the aisle in Westminster Abbey


Prince Harry was so scared of dropping Kate Middleton’s wedding ring that he had a secret pocket built into his uniform to carry it, MailOnline can reveal.

While most best men carry the ring in their trouser or jacket pocket, Harry’s Blues and Royals military outfit was so tight fitting that the tailor, Kashket and Partners, was unable to incorporate one into the design.

So with the prince’s help, the firm came up with the idea of a special gold embroidered cuff which could be attached to Harry's jacket. Sewn inside was a secret compartment in which the precious Welsh gold ring could be kept safe.


Cunning: Prince Harry's secret cuff pocket, made by Kashket and Partners


Harry’s cuff was made from a heavyweight Melton wool fabric embroidered with a two per cent pure gold wire.

A spokesman said: 'The team were asked to design a small pocket to keep Kate’s ring safe, particularly during the journey from Clarence House to Westminster Abbey, as Harry has no pocket in his military trousers.


Can you spot it? Prince Harry's secret pocket meant he could remain cool and calm about producing the ring in front of two billion TV viewers


'Harry, aware that he would be waving to the crowds, feared he may drop the ring and wanted a secret compartment.

'The brothers wanted the day to run smoothly and decided this would be the best option.

'We were happy to oblige.'

A royal source added: ‘Prince Harry was terrified that he would arrived at the Abbey and find out that he had dropped the ring on the way. His brother was always ribbing him about it.'

Kashket also made Prince William’s Irish Guards uniform for the big day as well as the page boy outfits.


Near the knuckle: The moment Prince William slid the ring onto Kate's finger, with a bit of wriggling

source: dailymail

Elton John wells up at the wedding 14 years after he sang for Diana at Westminster Abbey

By ANDREA MAGRATH


Emotional: Elton John appeared rather misty-eyed during the Royal Wedding today


In an emotional interview three years ago, he described singing at Princess Diana's funeral as a 'surreal' experience he hoped never to have to repeat.

So it is understandable that returning to Westminster Abbey today would be an emotional experience for Elton John.

After initially arriving at the event in high spirits, the singer appeared a little misty-eyed at one point in the ceremony.


Memories: The singer famously played at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales fourteen years earlier


Elton was pictured biting his lip and his eyes looked red-rimmed as he gazed at the proceedings.

Earlier the 64-year-old shared a laugh with partner David Furnish and fellow guests as they took their front-row aisle seats inside the Abbey.


'Surreal': In 2008 he gave an emotional interview discussing his performance of Candle In The Wind at Diana's funeral in 1997


He received a huge cheer as they arrived at the Abbey, and waved gaily at the crowd.

But Elton's mood turned sombre, perhaps as he reflected on his tribute to his late friend, the Princess Of Wales at her funeral on September 6, 1997.

Elton's re-worked rendition of his hit Candle In The Wind moved the millions of viewers to tears and is widely regarded as the best-selling single of all time.

In a TV documentary aired in 2008, the singer recalled: 'Me playing at the funeral was one of the most surreal things I have ever done.


Excited: Elton looked in high spirits as he and a distracted David Furnish (left) waited for the ceremony to begin


'What was going through my mind was, "Don't f*** this up. Don't sing a wrong note. Don't sing the wrong note. Be stoic.

"Don't break down and just do it to the best you can possibly do it without showing any emotion whatsoever."

'My heart was beating quite a lot, I have to say,' he told VH1 'RocDoc' Me, Myself and I.


Proud: Sir Elton beams with happiness as he watches Prince William and his new bride walk down the aisle to leave the Abbey


'This is an unreal experience and I hope I never have to do it again.'

Elton was less forthcoming when asked by BBC Radio 5 outside the Abbey how he enjoyed the wedding.

Speaking after the ceremony, his response was: 'It's not the Oscars.'


Arrival: He received a huge cheer from the crowds as he arrived at the Abbey

source: dailymail

£4,000-a-night honeymoon: William is to whisk Kate off to a tropical hideaway

By REBECCA ENGLISH

And they're orf: Kate and William at Buckingham Palace on Saturday before flying by helicopter for their 'mini-moon'


The newlywed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to honeymoon in a £4,000-a-night villa on one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world.

Prince William is to whisk his bride away to a secret hideaway in the Indian Ocean for a ten-day holiday later this month.

It was widely expected that the couple would be going on honeymoon this week after their wedding on Friday. But at the weekend it was announced that the Duke, a search and rescue pilot, would be returning to work tomorrow at RAF Valley on Anglesey.


Not even Kate is aware of where the couple will be going for their honeymoon but it is understood to be an exclusive island in the Seychelles (Stock image)


Despite his status as second in line to the throne he had to apply for leave like his colleagues. He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail can reveal that the Duke and Duchess are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to the tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave. The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The resort, which is surrounded by coconut groves, offers almost complete isolation. Its white sand beaches are bathed by crystal-clear turquoise waters and are a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Only a handful of luxury villas are dotted across the island. Hand-crafted out of local wood, each has an open-air bathroom area with sunken bath and shower, a private garden and a wooden deck with freshwater rock pool and yoga pavilion.

There is a butler on hand in every villa, and a personal chef will conjure up a daily menu based on freshly-caught fish and whatever delicacies the couple wish.


The couple were seen flying from Buckingham Palace for their 'mini-moon' in a helicopter


The area is an eco-haven and while snorkelling, kayaking or diving are encouraged, its tranquillity is preserved with a ban on jet skis and similar watersports.

A source said: ‘It’s one of the most incredible places you will ever visit and Kate will have the time of her life. It’s everything you could want from a honeymoon destination and more – beautiful beaches, tropical seas and complete privacy.

‘The prince’s protection officers flew out two and half weeks ago to check it out and their villa has been booked and confirmed.

‘It’s a real Robinson Crusoe kind of place. There are some beautiful hikes, but if you can’t be bothered to walk a golf cart will transport you. They will also deliver you a picnic with ice-cold drinks.



Like everyone else he works with, Prince William had to apply to take time off before the wedding


‘If you fancy some company there is a little beach bar and a restaurant. Most people, however, prefer to eat meals brought by the butler on the privacy of their deck while watching the sunset.’

Over the weekend the Duke and Duchess have been enjoying a ‘mini-moon’ at a mystery location in the UK. They flew in the Queen’s helicopter from Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a two-night break.

Clarence House refused to reveal their destination, or issue official pictures of the honeymooners. Previous royal newlyweds, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana and the Queen and Prince Philip, all posed for photographers.

The secrecy sparked a nationwide guessing game with alleged sightings of the couple from the Isles of Scilly to North East Scotland.

A Clarence House spokesman said last night: ‘The couple have asked the media to respect the privacy of their honeymoon, therefore we can neither confirm or deny speculation.’


source: dailymail

Not very Abbey: Cart-wheeling verger carpeted by clerics after becoming wedding web sensation

By JONATHAN PETRE


The Westminster Abbey verger who became an internet sensation after cart-wheeling down the nave following the Royal Wedding has been rebuked by senior staff.

Sources at the Abbey said the man was feeling ‘fairly chastened’ after his impromptu display of acrobatics was caught on film.

Although he is unlikely to face any formal disciplinary action, Abbey staff have warned him not to speak publicly about the incident.


Flipping good time: Verger Ben Sheward lands with a smile after the wedding went without any hitches


While the Abbey has refused to identify him, sources have disclosed he is Ben Sheward, who lives in South London.

The sources said Mr Sheward is believed to have worked at the Abbey for ten years, and he has previously been pictured welcoming new choirboys by sharing sweets with them.

According to some sources, he has studied music in New Zealand and is an expert on the composer Edward Elgar.


Splendour: Only an hour earlier, the new Duchess of Cambridge was was being walked down the aisle


Mr Sheward waited until some 1,900 guests had left the Abbey before seizing his chance to cartwheel down the red carpet that William and Kate had just walked along for the first time as a married couple.

In the clip, the black-cassocked verger is shown strolling down the carpet.

As a number of apparent stragglers from the wedding service look on, he embarks on one cart-wheel, smiles, and then squeezes in at least one other before disappearing out of shot.

ITV cameras caught his antics, which were beamed to millions of viewers around the world, ensuring the unsuspecting verger became an international celebrity


Spectacle: As well as billions who saw it on TV, thousands watched the occasion from outside the Abbey


The clip had already attracted 100,000 internet hits yesterday, and comments on various websites had come from as far afield as the United States and Australia. One said: ‘I think this self-publicist should be sacked!’ Most, however, praised him.

A Westminster Abbey spokesman said: ‘The verger, like all of us, was very pleased the service had gone according to plan, and was expressing his exuberance.’ He emphasised that the incident occurred some time after the wedding had finished.


Sight to behold: Prince William and Kate emerge from the Abbey... it was enough to make one man cart-wheel


The Royal Wedding - Cartwheeling Verger


source: dailymail

Middletons go home ... £250,000 poorer: Family’s huge bill for hotel, banquets, outfits and jewellery

By ROBERT VERKAIK

All smiles: Pippa, in jeans showing off the figure that has won her fans on Facebook, leads her mother Carole, brother James and father Michael out of the Goring Hotel yesterday


After a long day and night of celebrating, the Middletons finally emerged from the five-star Goring Hotel yesterday... perhaps thinking: ‘And about time, too.’

As speculation intensifies over the family’s wealth, inquiries have revealed that the wedding has cost them at least £250,000.

The bill for the exclusive hire of the 71-room hotel near Buckingham Palace is estimated at £85,000 alone. The Royal Suite, where Kate spent her last nights as a single woman is so exclusive, it has not been officially priced.


Rear of the Year? It's already in the bag: Pippa says a final farewell before starting the journey home


But the 200-strong crowd that cheered the family outside the hotel did not detect any regrets as they headed for their chauffeur-driven car, waving and smiling.

Pippa, 27 – carrying a bag and wearing skin-tight white jeans that accentuated the derriere that has inspired many Facebook tribute sites – led out her parents Carole and Michael and younger brother James, 23.


Pricey night: The bill for the exclusive hire of the 71-room Goring Hotel is believed to cost £85,000


The family is also estimated to have paid £25,000 for two parties at the hotel. On Thursday, Kate treated 120 friends and family to a buffet. And after Friday’s ceremony, Carole and Michael hosted an extravagant wedding party for a wider circle. Beluga caviar on The Goring restaurant menu is £400 for 100g while a bottle of Dom Perignon can cost £1,530.

Even if some Middleton guests paid for their rooms and the family secured a discount they will still be facing a bill approaching £100,000.

Last night the hotel said the terms of the booking were private. Kate’s bridal gown, designed by Sarah Burton, is said to have cost up to £40,000. Carole’s outfit by Catherine Walker would have cost £10,000 and Pippa’s dress, also by Sarah Burton, about £20,000.

Kate’s earrings, from Robinson Pelham, are believed to have set her parents back £15,000. A pendant and earrings for Carole, earrings for Pippa and gold tie sticks for Michael and James cost about £30,000.

The bridal shoes, designed at Alexander McQueen, and bridal flowers would have cost at least £3,000. Morning suits for Michael and James, by Gieves & Hawkes, would have cost £10,000. The Middletons would have also paid for suits and dresses for the evening, costing up to £20,000.


My hat: Mr Middleton loses his topper as he exits the bride's Rolls-Royce



Proud moment: The father of the bride looks on as Prince William is joined by Kate at the altar

source: dailymail

Her Royal Hotness will be next to wed...

By SARAH OLIVER and KATIE NICHOLL

'Very close': Pippa Middleton last month in the arms of her 30-year-old City broker boyfriend Alex Loudon


It was the day Royal Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton dazzled the world in a dress that left very little to the imagination . . . but it emerged that she may have kept something secret after all.

For it seems that Carole and Michael’s second daughter is engaged in all but name to her City broker boyfriend Alex Loudon.

The couple have stayed silent about the future of their relationship for fear of detracting attention from William and Kate.


Catching Harry's eye: Pippa and the Prince on the Palace balcony. He had already walked arm-in-arm with her down the Abbey aisle


The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry, who flirtatiously walked her arm-in-arm back down the aisle after the wedding ceremony, were two of her most immediate admirers in the Abbey. Outside, her appearance ignited the blogosphere and almost led to the crash of Twitter. In America and Australia too, Pippa was declared a knockout.

Those in the Abbey who watched her arrival thought just one thing – that Pippa looked smoking-hot in what was probably the kind of dress Kate would have chosen if she had been a Bucklebury bride and not marrying into the House of Windsor.


We are amused: Pippa pulls a face as a beaming Harry makes a wisecrack


But the revelation of the day was not just what a wonderful rear view Pippa offers – her bottom now has its own internet appreciation society, which already had 54,000 members last night – it was her polish, her self-possession, her grace and her diligence towards her sister.

Just as the fraternal bonds between William and Harry were plain to see, the Middleton girls seemed to have a powerful, loving link, with Pippa the best supporting actress in her sister’s romantic drama.


Pippa with Alex on Bond Street where tailors Ede and Ravenscroft was closed to the public while he was fitted for his suit for the wedding


Much has been written about Kate, already the subject of several biographies, but what do we know of Pippa? Philippa Charlotte Middleton is Carole and Michael Middleton’s second daughter (she is 27 to Kate’s 29) and their middle child. She was not even at school when her parents founded their company, Party Pieces, on which they would build the family’s financial and social success.

She lived the first ten years of her life in a four-bedroom Victorian villa in Bradfield Southend, Berkshire, before the family moved in 1995 to the mansion where they remain today, two miles away in the village of Bucklebury.

Like her sister, Pippa attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire before following in her footsteps to a Scottish university. But while Kate chose St Andrews, where she met her Prince, Pippa selected the party town of Edinburgh.


Without overstepping the mark, he managed to deliver just enough of his trademark cheeky charm to add a youthful sparkle to the day


Chelsy may have been back with him for the big day, but there's no wedding on the horizon for them


source: dailymail

Same place, same pose... but two very different stories

By POLLY DUNBAR

Happy: William and Kate surrounded by, clockwise bottom right, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


The echoes of a Royal wedding from an earlier era are difficult to ignore.

The backdrop is the same: the opulent red-and-gold decor of the grand Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. And the mischievous smiles on the faces of some of the bridesmaids and page boys – and endearingly bewildered expressions on the others – are strikingly similar.


The 1981 wedding party. From back, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Diana and Charles, Edward van Cutsem; front: Lord Nicholas Windsor, Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, India Hicks, Sarah-Jane Gaselee and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones


But, 30 years after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the official wedding picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton also reflects the differences between the two couples' relationships.

The photograph of Charles and Diana, taken by Patrick Lichfield, seemed to capture a moment of spontaneous informality, with the wedding party collapsing in a fit of giggles. But, as we now know, the warmth was not reflected in the marriage itself.

By contrast, Kate and William's picture, by photographer Hugo Burnand, appears more formal, despite little Tom Pettifer's insistence on leaning in as close to the bride as possible.


Full of joy and not a care in the world: William and Kate smile broadly as they stand arm-in-arm in the official wedding album


Despite the organised nature of their shot, they look relaxed, their smiles unforced, and her hand rests on his knee.

Mario Testino may have received praise for his engagement portraits of William and Kate, but their choice of Hugo Burnand to take their official wedding pictures has cemented the latter's status as the Royal Family's favourite photographer.

Mr Burnand, 47, has been entrusted with capturing many of the Royals' most important occasions in recent years, including Prince Charles's 60th birthday and his marriage to Camilla. He has also won the respect of the Queen and Princes William and Harry after taking their pictures on previous occasions.


The family photo: Front row left to right is Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Louise Windsor, William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row left to right is Tom Pettifer, Camilla, Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate, Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, James Middleton and Philippa Middleton


Mr Burnand, 47, has been entrusted with capturing many of the Royals' most important occasions in recent years


source: dailymail

The universe's reaction to the royal wedding

By TOM LEONARD

Coming to a halt: Despite the early start, thousands gathered in New York's Times Square to watch the ceremony on the big screens


Proudly republican America predictably led the charge as the world celebrated the royal wedding with wall-to-wall media coverage and celebrations as far away as Antarctica and even outer space.

The event drew an estimated two billion television viewers around the world, with many broadcasters scheduling royal-themed programmes long into the day.

Some of the biggest names in US broadcasting, including Barbara Walters, Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer, had decamped to London in an operation comparable in scale to a presidential election.


Big fans: Mardi Cockburn, left, and Margo Flewelling hold up their flag showing the Royal couple at Old Government House in Fredericton, New Brunswick


Personal greeting: These astronauts at the International Space Station sent a celebratory message to the couple


Molly Davis, left, and Amanda D'Aquila joined the large crowd in Times Square to watch the royal wedding on the screens


Aided by squads of British analysts, they provided American viewers with advice on such crucial etiquette questions as who will now courtesy to whom as well as the inevitable minute dissections of the wedding dress.

The royal theme continued on many channels with daytime show hosts and audiences alike wearing hats and tiaras in studios kitted out in Union flags and suits of armour.


Better weather than London: Under cloudless skies, hundreds of Britons watched a live broadcast of the ceremony on a beach in the Gulf emirate of Dubai


The ABC network even found their own all-American William and Kate to marry on air. However, the presenters on the American morning talk show The View marred the celebrations with controversial comments.

Comedian Joy Behar said the Queen had dressed like a 'bumble bee' while comedian Sherri Shepherd asked 'where are all the black people?'

There were wedding parties, often accompanied by full English breakfast, across the US.

Hundreds gathered in New York’s Times Square, waving Union flags and wearing fancy hats, to watch on a giant TV screen.


In the swing of things: These four Brits model masks of the Royal family as others watch events unfold at Westminster Abbey


'It brought tears to my eyes,' said Heather Mauro, 28, an occupational therapist. 'Everything was perfect, prim and proper, just like the English do.'

More than 250 guests wore prince and princess attire to watch the event in the wedding pavilion at Walt Disney World in Florida.

About 220 miles above Earth, NASA broadcast TV coverage of the royal wedding live to the international space station where the crew watched it and sent a congratulatory message to the couple.


Party time: Members of the 4SCOTS pose with a wedding cake (and the happy couple) made by army caterers in Helmand province


Time out: Soldiers from across the Army took time off from their duties in Kabul, Afghanistan, to enjoy a drink during the wedding ceremony


Cheers! Expatriates raise a glass to the Duke and Duchess as they watch the wedding on a TV in Kabul


Down in Antarctica, British scientists battled outside in high winds to toast them at the Halley survey station.

France could have been expected to be more lukewarm, especially given the Sarkozys’ absence from the guest list.

But despite complaints from L’Express newspaper that ‘not one Frenchie is invited to the wedding of the century’, the Gallic media gave the wedding top billing with all major TV channels providing live coverage.


Fancy dress: One reveller in Sydney, Australia, used the occasion to don their best Prince Charles mask


Wedding reception: Dressed in their best dresses, crowns and other royal theme costumes, party-goers at Sydney's Lord Dudley hotel, react as they watch the wedding


Dressed for the occasion: People drink champagne from the bottle as they concentrate on the wedding at the Palace Theatre in Ontario, Canada


Something to remember: These two women take photos of others at an early morning breakfast at a hotel in Nova Scotia


Union flags and pictures of William and Kate dominated front pages with Le Figaro offering a 79-page supplement entitled “So British”.

In Italy, there was rolling coverage of the wedding both on state and commercial TV, with four channels broadcasting live from London.



Big screen event: Franziska von Bergmann, Marlies Koepke and Jennifer Tapp follow the wedding in a cinema in Munich


We remember the last one: Elderly residents of this retirement home in Hamburg watch events unfold on the TV


Tear-jerker: Two women can barely contain their delight as they watch the wedding at a shopping centre in Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong


In one of countless ex-pat wedding parties around the globe, British residents of Rome gathered to watch events on a giant TV screen and eat specially-made Sicilian chocolates decorated with images of the couple.

In Germany, wedding fans had to take the day off to watch it as employers enforced a strict ban on following it on workplace TVs and computers.

Bild newspaper bemoaned the sorry state of German nobility on its front page, pointing out the '25 most embarrassing' to its readers and asking; 'Why don't we have royals like the Windsors?'


Not missing out: These British tourists in the Turkish city of Aydin watched the ceremony in a local cafe


Patriotic: Three women show off their Union Flag dresses and William and Kate bags in a pub in Aydin


Formal affair: British Ambassador to Romania Martin Harris and his family watch the Royal Wedding at the British embassy


At Tsinghua University in China nearly 200 couples tied the knot at a collective wedding ceremony that coincided with events in London.

The international joy was not universal. The Iranian state news channel groused that the “people of this monarchical country” were having to pay for the "most expensive" royal wedding in British history at a time of “economic stagnation”.

It added: 'The people of this country are forced to work around-the-clock so that princesses can pile up cash.'


source: dailymail