The Prince and the President: William greets Obama and Michelle at the Palace as tanned Kate takes to Royal duties like a natural

By James White


-President and First Lady flew to London a day early due to ash cloud fears
-Just third state visit by U.S. President to Britain in 100 years
-Obama and Cameron vow to support 'Arab Spring' uprising

Newlyweds: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, back from their honeymoon, meet with the First couple inside Buckingham Palace


Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge today welcomed the President of the United States to Buckingham Palace in their first big test as a Royal couple.

Fresh from their Seychelles honeymoon, a well-tanned Duchess of Cambridge performed her Royal duties with aplomb as she spoke to Mr and Mrs Obama in a 10-minute private meeting.

There were smiles all round moments earlier when the Obamas arrived at Buckingham Palace and were met by the Queen and Prince Philip.

Sorry we couldn't make the wedding: The couples chat and no doubt the recent Royal marriage ceremony was a topic of conversation

Friendly: The couples met before President Obama was the subject of a 41-gun salute


They arrived in the Presidential limousine known as The Beast, which pulled into the front of Buckingham Palace just before noon.

It is only the third state visit by a U.S. president to the UK in 100 years. Mr Obama came to London two years ago but it was for the G20 global summit meeting.

After the meeting of the heads of state, the Obamas spent about 10 minutes speaking with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, before meeting more Royal figures.

Senior members of the Queen's household were introduced to the Obamas in the Bow room.

Among them were the Queen's private secretary Christopher Geidt, her treasurer Sir Alan Reed, master of the household Air Vice Marshall David Walker, and the Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel.

Others who met the president and his wife included Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, Philip's private secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Ford, comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Office, and a number of ladies-in-waiting to the Queen including Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie.

Having a giggle: The Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama enjoy a brief moment of hilarity during their meeting

Meet and greet: The Queen welcomes Barack Obama to Buckingham Palace, watched by his wife Michelle and Prince Philip

Old friends reunited: Two years on from their last meeting, the Obamas and the Queen and Prince Philip look pleased to see one another


The Obamas were then taken to Buckingham Palace Gardens where they faced with a guard of honour, 101 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, and three officers lined up in two rows. Behind them were the Band, Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guard.

The air was shattered by the noise of booming gunfire as a 41-gun salute was begun by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in nearby Green Park while simultaneously at the Tower of London another was fired by the Honourable Artillery Company.

The guardsmen gave a royal salute and then the American national anthem was played in honour of the U.S. President.

Wild weather: The Queen is forced to clutch her hat as she speaks to President Obama, left, while the whole group are left windswept by the conditions, right

Hold on to your hats! The windy weather plays havoc with the Royal party

Ceremonial welcome: The Obamas are joined by members of the Royal Family to hear the U.S. national anthem


The British National Anthem was not performed as the Queen is in residence at the palace and so it was needed to mark her arrival at the historic building.

Major Rory Shannon, in command of the guard of honour, approached the heads of state and formally stated that the troops were ready for inspection. Mr Obama, with the Duke, then walked down the terrace steps to the waiting soldiers in their bearskins and scarlet tunics.

The major escorted the president along the two lines of guardsmen as Philip followed a pace behind.

The U.S. leader could be seen exchanging words with the senior officer as they passed the troops who, when not performing ceremonial duties, are fighting soldiers.

Guard of honour: Prince Philip accompanies Mr Obama as they inspect soldiers of the Household Cavalry in Buckingham Palace Gardens

Tell me more: The Queen shows the President an exhibition of American items from The Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace


At the end of the inspection, Mr Obama took his place beside the Queen and watched as the guardsmen marched off before the party headed inside for lunch.

This afternoon, the group made their way around The Royal Collection where American items were on this display.

Earlier the President declared the UK-U.S. partnership 'an essential relationship for us and for the world'.

But he began his visit today by making a solemn statement about the loss of life in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado claimed 116 lives on Sunday night.

Protection: The heavily-armoured Presidential limousine arrives at Buckingham Palace

Arrival: Crowds strain to take pictures of the Presidential limousine, accompanied by police outriders, as it arrives at Buckingham Palace

Blustery day: A Met Police spotter stationed on top of Buckingham Palace sees his hat fly away as he waits for the President's arrival


The U.S. president flew into Stansted airport ahead of schedule last night to avoid the possibility of disruption to air travel from the ash cloud from an erupting Icelandic volcano.

He had been due to fly from Ireland on board Air Force One this morning to be greeted at the Essex airport by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

But the decision was taken to bring forward the visit after the announcement of cancellations to some UK commercial flights due to the ash billowing from the Grimsvotn volcano - with more disruption expected in the days to come.

Welcoming party: President Obama, left with Prince Charles, and First Lady Michelle, right with the Duchess of Cornwall, leave the U.S. Ambassador's residence Winfield House today headed for Buckingham Palace

Relaxed: The President enjoys a joke with Prince Charles, left, while Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Cornwall are deep in conversation


The state visit comes at a time of close co-operation between Britain and America on issues ranging from Libya to Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the Middle East peace process.

This strong partnership was reflected in a joint article written by Mr Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron for The Times, in which they declare: 'Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.'

After his early arrival, Mr Obama was spending the night in the US ambassador's residence in London, Winfield House in Regent's Park.

Solemn: Barack Obama began his British visit today by making a statement about the appalling loss of life in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado left at least 116 people dead


Despite the hasty change to their planned schedule, Mr Obama and wife Michelle were still given the formal welcome expected of a state visit.

They were greeted by the Lord in Waiting Viscount Brookeborough, who met them on behalf of the Queen.

Instead of a traditional red carpet they left the plane on special red-carpeted stairs because of windy conditions at the airport.

Later today the Obamas will view the royal picture gallery before a wreath-laying visit to Westminster Abbey and a state banquet in the evening.

The couple will stay as guests of the Queen at Buckingham Palace tonight and tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be devoted to politics, with talks between Mr Obama and Mr Cameron at 10 Downing Street, followed by an address to both Houses of Parliament, in which the president is expected to say that the US has no closer ally in the world than Britain.

In their joint article, Mr Obama and Mr Cameron put the transatlantic partnership at the heart of the drive for global stability and prosperity.

Hello Britain: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle step off Air Force One as they arrive at London Stansted Airport last night

Touchdown: Air Force One arrives at Stansted Airport, London ahead of schedule due to fears volcanic ash would spread over Britain today


'When the United States and Britain stand together, our people and people around the world can become more secure and more prosperous,' they wrote.

'And that is the key to our relationship. Yes, it is founded on a deep emotional connection, by sentiment and ties of people and culture.

'But the reason it thrives, the reason why this is such a natural partnership, is because it advances our common interests and shared values.

'It is a perfect alignment of what we both need and what we both believe. And the reason it remains strong is because it delivers time and again.

'Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.'

They also promised not to abandon the protesters fighting for democracy in the 'Arab Spring'.

Flying the flag: British and American colours stand along The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in preparation for the visit


'We will not stand by as their aspirations get crushed in a hail of bombs, bullets and mortar fire,' said the two leaders.

'We are reluctant to use force, but when our interests and values come together, we know we have a responsibility to act...

'We will stand with those who want to bring light into dark, support those who seek freedom in place of repression, aid those laying the building blocks of democracy.'

It comes after Foreign Secretary William Hague and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton sent out a message to Syria's President Bashar Assad to halt his regime's repression of pro-democracy activists.

Speaking to American reporters shortly before Mr Obama's arrival, Mr Cameron said there was 'an incredible alignment of views' between his administration and the White House on key global issues, including the military mission in Libya, the uprisings of the Arab Spring, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

'Smile, honey. We'll be meeting the Queen and that hat cost a lot of money.'


And he paid lavish tribute to Mr Obama's style, saying that as well as being 'courageous' over issues such as Osama bin Laden, he was also 'thoughtful, measured and serious'.

The current closeness of the UK-U.S. relationship was remarked upon at a joint press conference following talks between Mr Hague and Mrs Clinton at the Foreign Office.

Mrs Clinton joked: 'If there were any closer alignment, we would worry about each other.'

The two leaders are expected to drop in on a barbecue being hosted by their wives Michelle and Samantha for families of military personnel involved in joint UK-U.S. missions overseas.

Mr Obama is due to travel on to France on Thursday morning for the G8 summit of leading industrialised nations in Deauville, also being attended by Mr Cameron.









source:dailymail

Mw'aam! The Queen makes a meal of kiss with Camilla

By Daily Mail Reporter


In-laws: The Queen greets the Duchess of Cornwall... but the embrace looked a little bit awkward


It was probably meant to be a friendly greeting between a mother and her daughter-in-law. But the Queen looked a little awkward when her son's wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, leaned in for a kiss.

The two women were both attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where the Queen cheered with delight as her horse passed the finish line first, in Britain's largest outdoor equestrian event.

The Queen's horse, St James, won two events on the show's first day, and she did not try to hide her delight at the victories.

My kingdom for a horse: The Queen cheers along with her head groom Terry Pendry as her nag St James wins the veterans' class at The Windsor Horse Show

We are amused: The Queen watches her horse compete. The Royal Windsor Horse Show is Britain's largest outdoor equestrian show


During the show her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, steered a horse-drawn carriage through the grounds of Windsor Castle, which sits just outside the west of London.

After the race the Queen, dressed in a sensible country jacket and one of her trademark headscarves, wandered through the event meeting spectators.

Later, she toured events with her the Duchess of Cornwall, who is also well known for her love of equestrianism.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is Britain's largest outdoor equestrian show. The event has been running for more than 65 years and takes place in The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor Castle.

Fourteen of the Queen's own horses were among the draws at the annual event. Some 2,725 entries were received for the 150 or so classes set to take place.

Entrants also included a star-studded cast of showjumpers, including Laura Kraut, Robert Whitaker, Tim Stockdale and Pippa Funnell.

Joyriding: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, takes two women for a spin through the grounds of Windsor Castle in a horse-drawn carriage

Her loyal subjects: The Queen meets a baby among spectators at the show. Fourteen of the Queen's own horses were among the draws at the annual event


Family fun day: The Queen and Camilla share a joke as they tour events and attractions at the show


Show director Simon Brooks-Ward told the Maidenhead Advertiser: 'We seem to be bucking the trend a bit in terms of entries.

'Where many shows are reporting low numbers, we have exceeded target and are delighted that competitors still seem to love coming to Royal Windsor Horse Show.'

The Shetland Pony Grand National, the Household Cavalry best turned out trooper and the DAKS Pony Club Games were among the other entertainments and displays on offer.




source:dailymail

Beatrice and Eugenie are stripped of their 24-hour protection after row over £500k annual cost

By ANDREW PIERCE

VIPs: Princesses Eugenie, left, and Beatrice could lose their police protection after a row over the £500,000 annual cost


Prince Andrew’s daughters are to be stripped of their 24-hour police protection after a growing row over the £500,000 annual cost.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are the biggest losers of a Scotland Yard review of security for the Royal Family.

The princesses, fifth and sixth in line to the throne, will be given protection only when they attend official events on behalf of the Royal Family.


Safe: The Princesses are driven away from Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding reception by a protection officer


Prince Andrew had fought ferociously for the protection officers to stay. He argued his daughters should be treated differently from other minor royals because they enjoy HRH status.

But his argument failed because their cousin Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne, has no protection – even though she has a higher public profile.


Furious: Prince Andrew is said to have fought to keep the protection officers as he feels they are different to other minor Royals because of their HRH status


The cost of guarding Eugenie, 21, in her first year at Newcastle University has been estimated at £250,000 a year. It includes salaries, accommodation and living and travel expenses of two full-time bodyguards.

Beatrice, 22, studying at the University of London, enjoys the same level of protection.

Prince Andrew insisted his daughters have full-time protection despite private police assessments that they were low-risk targets.


No protection: The Duchess of Gloucester will no longer have security unless on official business, while Zara Philips has no cover despite her high profile


The Home Office is determined to prune the estimated £50million security bill for the Royal Family.

Other minor royals such as the Duchess of Gloucester who, unlike princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, performs official engagements, will also have their protection withdrawn when not on official duty.


source: dailymail

Kate's first lesson: Who must curtsey to whom

By Christopher Wilson


Learning curve: Now that she is officially a member of the Royal Family, the Duchess of Cambridge has a set of rules to learn


The first thing the new Duchess of Cambridge will have noticed about her altered status is that the Palace policemen have started saluting her.

In the state rooms of Buckingham Palace on Friday afternoon, female servants began to curtsey and grizzled retainers in their 100-year-old livery bowed their heads low.

One former courtier said: ‘At first she’ll be embarrassed by all this courtly attention from people she barely knows. But she’ll soon come to realise that it’s not what she wants, but what everybody else wants that matters when it comes to people showing their respect.’


As a brand new royal duchess, and wife of the second in line to the throne, Kate will need to bone up on who curtseys to whom.

In case nobody’s told her yet, here’s a rough guide to how things work.
If the Queen comes into the room, it’s simple enough – Kate should curtsey to her.

If Camilla appears and is with Charles, William’s wife should also curtsey to her.

But if Charles is absent but William is present, then Kate outranks Camilla, who should – in theory – curtsey to Kate. This is because William outranks Camilla in terms of the lineage, which means that effectively so does his wife while he is present.

If neither William nor Charles is there, then Kate curtseys to Camilla because – woman to woman – Camilla is her senior in the Firm.

In the case of Princess Anne – born a princess – and Princess Alexandra (the Queen’s cousin and granddaughter of George V), both these women have royal blood in their veins and therefore are more important than Kate – unless William happens to be around, in which case she’s more important than them. (Sophie Wessex, being married to a royal junior in rank to William, just has to curtsey to them all).

As for Prince Andrew’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, they out-rank Kate – but again not when William’s in the room.

Fortunately, Kate has had a long time to absorb what might politely be called the ‘ancient traditions’ of monarchy.

Those privy to the plans she and William are laying down for when they are King and Queen, believe that much of this ancient courtesy – well-meaning though it may be – will be swept away as the Cambridges seek to rejuvenate the monarchy.


Salute: The new bride will have to get used to the salutes, curtseys and bows greeting her around the Palace



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

Whisked away by helicopter... but Wills's back to work on Tuesday

By IAN GALLAGHER

Newly-weds: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace as they prepare to board a helicopter to fly off on their honeymoon


Honeymoon postponed to a later date

Couple staying in an undisclosed location in Britain, possibly Scotland

The Middletons return to their quiet country home in Berkshire


She awoke at Buckingham Palace a Princess, the first day of a new life that must have once been impossible to contemplate.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand after a lavish bash for 300 people on Friday night


After a light breakfast, the new Duchess of Cambridge emerged from the garden entrance of the Queen’s official residence still on a high, and still wearing the joyous smile that bewitched billions on Friday.

The couple are thought to have spent their first night as man and wife in the ground-floor Belgian Suite of the Palace, which is traditionally reserved for visiting heads of state.


Day of joy: The newly-weds thanked Buckingham Palace footmen and spoke briefly to the pilot before boarding the helicopter


As they strolled hand-in-hand along a gravel path and out on to the lawn, they were bathed in bright sunshine.

Wearing a light blue dress, dark jacket and platform shoes, the same ones she wore at the Goring Hotel on her last night as a commoner, Kate giggled at Prince William’s asides and looked relaxed and confident.

They had wanted a people’s wedding, with limited pomp, and in keeping with that unfussy spirit William announced his intention to go straight back to work.


Taking flight: The Queen's helicopter, a maroon Sikorsky with its own crest, takes the Royal couple from Buckingham Palace to a secret location to 'unwind'


It came as a surprise. Sources had previously indicated that the couple would jet off immediately for a two-week break, somewhere ‘hot and sunny’

But postponing the honeymoon to a later date, William, who wore his trademark chinos, light blue shirt and navy jacket, will now return to his job as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot on Anglesey, probably as early as Tuesday.

Saturday night, however, the couple were staying at an undisclosed location in Britain, possibly Scotland, where they planned to ‘unwind’ over the long weekend.


Maid of honour Pippa Middleton, brother James and their mother Carole emerge from the Goring Hotel on Saturday after Friday night's wedding celebration


Shortly after the happy couple left the Palace, Kate’s family checked out of the exclusive Goring Hotel nearby, posing briefly for photographs in their casual clothes.

Kate’s father Michael told the gathered crowd: ‘We had a wonderful time.’

The family then returned to their quiet country home in Chapel Row, near Bucklebury, Berkshire. The village has been bedecked with Union Jacks and bunting as the residents held their own wedding festivities.


Party's over: The scaffolding is removed from the Goring Hotel, central London after the Middleton's departed on Saturday afternoon


Memorial: Kate's wedding bouquet was returned to lie on the tomb of the unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey - a tradition for all Royal brides


Busy day at the Abbey: Tourists flock to Westminster Abbey on Saturday where the trees are still in place after the Royal Wedding on Friday


Clear-up: Cleaners sweep up rubbish left behind outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday after Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, celebrated their marriage on Friday


Sleepy: Guests leave the Buckingham Palace party. The guests started to depart at 11pm on Friday and the last left at 3am on Saturday


source: dailymail

How best man brother quipped his way through the wedding... but not everyone was amused (we're talking about you, sister Pippa)

By Daily Mail Reporter


Kate's second dress was a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist.
William stuck to the safe bet of a dinner jacket and bow tie


-William and Kate leave Buckingham Palace by helicopter this morning

-Mystery surrounding couple's honeymoon destination
-Couple spent first married night together at the Palace

-Prince Charles quipped about his son going bald during speeches

-Harry leaves party in minibus at 3am - while Chelsy Davy leaves in car with Beatrice and Eugenie

It was the most nerve-wracking moment of the whole day. No, not Kate Middleton walking down the aisle - Prince Harry's best man speech.

He is infamous for his bad jokes and the Queen and Prince Philip opted to stay away from Buckingham Palace as Harry turned Palace jester last night.

And Prince Charles was reportedly in jovial mood - joking about his newly-married son going bald. William hit back with a joked about his father's waistline.


This morning the couple flew out of Buckingham Palace in a helicopter as they head off on their honeymoon - but their destination remains a mystery.

Last night joker Prince Harry struck again with a quip about his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh being dwarfed by Kate Middleton, who stood tall in three-inch heels alongside her prince.

His stunning second sister-in-law Pippa, 27, did not appear amused – but she will need to get used to Harry’s humour.

After the lavish Palace party for 300 family and friends last night guests slowly began to leave the party from 11pm onwards with the last departing at 3am.

Prince Harry boarded a minibus with around a dozen over people while Kate Middleton and Prince William spent their first night as a married couple in one of the suites at the Palace.

Chelsy Davy was seen leaving in a car with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. There was a short 20 second blast of fireworks at the end of the party.

Palace joker: Prince Harry leaves Buckingham Palace in a coach - while wedding guest Chelsy Davy left in a royal car with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

Casually dressed, the newly-wed couple leave Buckingham Palace this morning to head off on their honeymoon

Mystery: The couple are heading off on their honeymoon - although their destination is unknown. Kenya and Scotland are the 3-1 favourites, bookmakers said

Royal honeymoon: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, fly off from Buckingham Palace this morning


The older guests were seen leaving earlier in the evening before the last of the partygoers got into cars at 3am - or walked off down The Mall.

Some partygoers could be seen kissing in the back of taxis as the vehicles left the lavish late night event.

Prince Charles, who kept a low-profile throughout the wedding say, was this morning back in his Aston Martin car that William used to drive Kate to Clarence House yesterday afternoon.

Long day: Princesses Beatrice and Eugiene leave in a royal car with Chelsy Davy, centre

Royal departure: Prince Charles is driven away from Clarence House in his Aston Martin which William used to drive Kate yesterday with the numberplate 'Just Wed'

Flashback: William drives his new wife in his father's soft top, decorated in balloons, out of Buckingham Palace and down to Clarence House


After a very public wedding watched by an estimated two billion people, the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be hoping for some privacy on their honeymoon.

The royals are expected to set off to a mystery location today and William has taken a fortnight's leave from his job as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot for the holiday.

The destination has so far been shrouded in secrecy, with William having reportedly not even told his new wife where they are going, but speculation is rife over possible choices.

The Duchess had switched into a new white outfit for last night's party - also created by Sarah Burton who designed her wedding gown.

The second dress was a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist, St James's Palace said.
Kate was also wearing a white angora bolero cardigan.

Princess Beatrice leaves the Palace in a purple and gold outfit after the evening celebration for 300 close friends and family

Morning after: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is driven away from Clarence House this morning after last night's celebration at Buckingham Palace

All change: Pippa Middleton, right, and Carole Middleton, left, in fresh outfits for evening celebration

EVEN KATE DOESN'T KNOW WHERE SHE'S GOING ON HONEYMOON TODAY

The royal couple's honeymoon destination remains a closely-guarded secret as they try to enjoy a private break together after the most public of weddings.

The Caribbean, Australia, Kenya and Jordan are among the exotic destinations that William and Kate could fly to.

Bookmakers had this morning made Kenya the 3-1 joint favourite after a punter had tried to place a £5,000 stake.

But they may continue their wedding theme of championing the UK and spend part of their break in Scotland, where both the Queen and the Prince of Wales have private homes they could use.

Bookies are also offering 3-1 odds on William and Kate heading north of the border.

The Duke is known to have a deep affection for Africa, and would be on safe romantic territory if he chose to take his wife to Kenya, where he proposed to her last year.

Jordan, with its plethora of ancient sites, has also been touted as a possibility for the couple's honeymoon.

The Middle Eastern country would no doubt have nostalgic appeal for Kate as her family spent two years there when she was a child. However its proximity to hotspots such as Syria could count against the country.

If they are keen to escape the prying eyes of the media, a secluded Caribbean island might be a safe choice.

Bequia and Necker Island all have the benefit of being easily secured, as does the ultra-exclusive Mustique, where Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are frequent visitors.

Lizard Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has also emerged as a contender.

However, with William resuming his pilot duties in two weeks, the significant jetlag likely from such a far-flung trip could rule it out.

They may also be tempted by Chile, as they both spent time in the South American country during their gap years before university.

Thirty years ago, William's parents the Prince and Princess of Wales spent the first stage of their honeymoon in Romsey in Hampshire, where they stayed at Broadlands, the family home of the Mountbattens.

The second part of their holiday was spent on board the royal yacht Britannia. They boarded at the Rock of Gibraltar before cruising to Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, the Greek islands and Egypt.

Finally, they went to Scotland to spend time with the Royal Family in Balmoral.

Honeymoon destination odds

3/1 Kenya; 3/1 Scotland; 7/2 Jordan; 11/2 Cornwall, 6/1 South Africa,7/1 Caribbean, 10/1 Mustique; 10/1 Tanzania, 20/1 Seychelles, 20/1 Saint Tropez, 25/1 Australia, 25/1 Monaco, 25/1 Maldives, 33/1 Wales (all odds from William Hill)

Just wed: Couple return to Buckingham Palace last night for the evening reception with 300 guests where Prince harry delivered his best man speech

One last look: Unable to resist a backward glance, Kate leaves the balcony with her proud husband


The couple left with Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. The royal party looked happy and relaxed.

The heir to the throne and his son, the new Duke of Cambridge, were dressed in dinner jackets with black bow ties.

Kate had her hair down in her favourite style for the private par
ty.

Camilla wore a light blue hand-embroidered high-collared floor length Anna Valentine dress for the evening.

The new Duchess's family had left the Goring Hotel shortly before 7.30pm.

Her sister Pippa had changed from her bridesmaid dress into a long emerald green sleeveless dress with a jewelled embellishment on the front and a plunging neckline.

Her hair was pinned up at the back and she was carrying a clutch bag.

Kate Middleton, in her gown for the evening, left Clarence House alongside Camilla Parker Bowles for the short journey to Buckingham Palace

Helping hand: Prince Charles holds Eliza Lopes while her grandmother, the Duchess of Cornwall, looks on

Welcome to the Firm: The Middletons share the public's acclaim on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Kate's parents Mike and Carole are on the left, next to Prince Charles holding the Duchess of Cornwall's granddaughter Eliza Lopes. The bride's sister Pippa stands between Princes Philip and Harry


Kate's mother Carole Middleton smiled after stumbling slightly as she came down the stairs at the hotel and her son James placed a guiding hand on her back as she climbed into a silver people carrier.

Yesterday, bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem had no qualms about showing her annoyance at the traditions of the day.

The three-year-old covered her ears grumpily as the flypast took place noisily overhead.

She may, too, have been grimacing about the soppy sweet nothings being whispered just over her left shoulder.

A lip reader’s analysis showed that, following their first kiss, William touchingly told his new bride ‘I love you’ before going in for a second crowd-thrilling embrace.

‘Let’s give them another one. l love you. One more kiss, one more kiss, okay,’ he said.

After the final kiss he gently mocked the enthusiasm of the cheering hordes, saying: ‘Come on! Come on! More! More! More!’

Prince Charles was also more tactile than usual, as he lifted up his wife’s young granddaughter Eliza Lopes so she could get a better view.

Charmed: Prince Philip has more success with the head bridesmaid

Unamused: Infamous joker Prince Harry provokes a grimace from Pippa


source:dailymail