London in party mood on royal wedding day

Xinhua, April 30, 2011

British Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday had their fabulous wedding ceremony amid people's cheers and well wishes from all over London and from around the world.

Britain's Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton wave on their way to Buckingham Palace after their wedding at Westminster Abbey in London, April, 29, 2011. [Tang Shi/Xinhua]

Waves of joyful people gathered along the procession route of the newlyweds as well as Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square, to catch a glimpse of the royal family or watch the live broadcast on big outdoor screens.

Crowds cheered and waved as the royal convoy carrying the newly- weds drove by and stayed at Westminster Abbey for the grand wedding ceremony. Then, an open-topped carriage took the new couple to the Buckingham Palace, where the two showed up and kissed on the balcony, reminding people of a similar scene of Prince Charles and Princess Diana making their classical kiss in 1981. After a lunchtime reception held by the Queen, William drove his princess back to his living place, Clarence House.

London Metropolitan Police said up to 1 million people were on the streets to watch and celebrate the royal wedding.

Vivian, 75 years old, from central Britain's Yorkshire, camped overnight with seven people of three generations from her family. "I'm a royalist. The royal family made great contribution to the stability of our country. So I came all the way to support them," he said.

Along with four friends from San Diego, California, Mill camped nearby the Buckingham Palace and had their tent pinned with pictures of Princess Diana. "I am so excited to see the charming new couple and the gorgeous Royal Horse Guards. We come over to see this because we do not have this kind of stuff in the United States," she said.

Some young couples disguised as William and Kate were seen among the crowds, with people taking pictures of them or with them. Many others wore crown models and masks of the royal family members, mostly of the bride and groom.

Banners dotted a sea of people at the square, scintillating congratulatory as well as bantering messages: "Congratulations Will and Kate," "I Love Royal Wedding," "Don't Worry Harry is Still Single," "Harry Marry Me" and "I Do Too!"