Pomp and ceremony meet relaxed informality

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

No royal salute for Catherine Middleton upon arrival for her marriage to Britain's Prince William, but she got her first after she emerged from the historic Westminster Abbey as the Duchess of Cambridge yesterday. Her doting father, Michael Middleton, assisted with the gown inside the car as a photographer perched in the front seat for close-ups that will grace today's newspapers all over the world.

The bride exuded radiance, almost Grace Kelly-esque in the design by Alexander McQueen's creative director, Sarah Burton. The wedding dress was the bride's choice for "the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing. Middleton wanted it to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen's work. She worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress."

Her magnificent mane was half up and half down, cascaded over her shoulders and was adorned by a diamond tiara, a loan from her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth 11. The future Duchess of Cambridge was transported to her wedding with her attentive father in a sparkling Phantom 6 car. The cheers along the journey contrasted with the calm scene inside the vehicle as the bride waved to her future subjects.

The storybook ceremony moved in choreographed precision. What a spectacle! The bride escorted down the aisle by her father and her sister, Pippa, and bridesmaids attended to the nine-foot train even as a mischievous Prince Harry peeked at the party only to whisper reassuringly to his brother that his beloved was there. Kate's mom, with a subtle smile, watched dotingly as did the groom's grandma, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

After the procession, the hymn Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer filled the Abbey as cameras delivered the scene to viewers outside. For the second stanza of this ageless James Rutter composition, descants, altos, tenors and trebles blended melodiously, filling the atmosphere.

The vows which included the time-honoured pregnant pause after the "hereafter hold his peace" Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis said his clear "I will" in response to the archbishop's question, and his princess smiled nervously. The ring caused an anxious moment as he guided it over Middleton's finger, but Prince William accomplished his mission with a soldier's patience and the vows climaxed in a prayer specially prepared by the couple.

The Archbishop of London in his brief sermon said man and woman should help each other to become what God intended them to be. "Many are fearful in this joyful day, but it is a day of hope. You have chosen to be married in the sight of a generous God who loves us. Your spiritual life will grow as love finds its centre among yourselves. It is hard to wean ourselves from self-centeredness, but we must make a solemn decision to commit to generous love." He ended by reminding the couple to "make one another their work of art as long as they don't try to reform each other."

The ceremony ended with afanfare and the national anthem.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com