Royal wedding’s hope and glory

This was not just an exhilarating celebration of the marriage of, God willing, a future King and Queen of this great country, but a triumphant affirmation of the public’s enduring respect for a Royal family, and a reigning Monarch, who are the envy of the world. This cavalcade of spontaneous happiness was illustrated by the wedding’s international dimension, with the streets of London thronging with wellwishers from every continent – and David Beckham, a global icon who needs no introduction, proudly wearing his OBE out of respect for both the newlyweds and his country. Only Britain can stage such ceremonies on this scale.

The uplifting nature of the day, a uniquely British occasion which culminated with such great scenes on The Mall, also showed the quiet patriotism which underpins this country, and why people should not be afraid to express this sentiment. Even the most ardent Royal sceptics could not fail be moved by yesterday’s extraordinary, but dignified events.

A joyous occasion, meticulously planned, surpassed all expectations right down to the bride’s inspired choice of a British fashion designer for her enchanting dress – even though it was not the “quiet family wedding” that Prince William and a seemingly nerveless Catherine Middleton joked about moments before exchanging their vows in Westminster Abbey.

Yet it is testimony to the happy couple, and their unstuffiness, that they will be, forever known as William and Kate, despite the prestigious new titles that were bestowed upon them by the Queen.

This was exemplified by their quiet determination to ensure that their wedding remained intimate – despite their status necessitating this to be a Royal, diplomatic and political occasion played out in front of two billion people.

And while William and Catherine’s marriage signals a gentle changing of the guard within the Royal family as the newlyweds begin to undertake some of the more formal duties previously carried out by the Prince’s grandparents and father, this process should not be rushed.

If there is to be one lesson to be learned from previous Royal marriages, and the wise words of the Bishop of London in his address, it is that the Duke and Duchess should have the time – and privacy –- to cement a relationship which will have to withstand a lifetime of scrutiny. That they seem so well-suited to each other, and their future responsibilities, is not only a credit to the couple whose wedding was a priceless advertisement for Britain, but the love and support of their respective families.

It would be churlish not to acknowledge how the Prince of Wales, with the Duchess of Cornwall by his side, has guided William through his formative years, and the heartbreak of his mother’s tragically premature death, into a fine young man – resplendent in military uniform – whose down-to-earth humour has earned the admiration of the whole country.

The same equally applies to the Middleton family after a fairytale day when their eldest daughter Catherine woke up as a “commoner’” and left Westminster Abbey, with her Prince by her side, as a future Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Their journey, too, has been a remarkable one. And they will also play a pivotal role as the Duke of Duchess of Cambridge move on from the happiest day of their lives to a lifetime of duty and devotion in a country reverberating from the glory and vibrant optimism of a thoroughly modern Royal wedding.

It was an unforgettable day that enabled Britons, and the watching world, to signify their pride in William and Catherine – and for them to reciprocate this goodwill with the personal empathy and humour that will be the hallmark of their marriage and, in good time, their eventual reign as King and Queen.