If Laura Parker Bowles, 27, and Harry Lopes, 30, had picked the out-of-the-way Wiltshire village of Lacock with a view to a quiet country wedding, then their hopes must have been dashed. The nuptials of the Duchess of Cornwall's daughter were accompanied by almost as much brou-ha-ha as a royal event.
More than 2,000 well-wishers lined the streets into the village, which lies half a mile from the country home of the mother of the bride, to catch a glimpse of the couple and their guests.
Prince Charles and Camilla, stunning in a pale green silk coat over a cream frock, both beamed with delight as they waved to onlookers.
Laura's step-brothers had travelled thousands of miles to share her big day. William flew in from a holiday on Mustique with girlfriend Kate Middleton, while his brother Harry jetted back from Cape Town, where he'd been with his sweetheart Chelsy Davy.
The two young men were loudly cheered, as they arrived with Kate, who was ultra-chic in a long, cream, embroidered coat matched with a striking feathered hat.
But it was the bride, arriving a fashionable five minutes late on the arm of her father Andrew Parker Bowles, who earned the most enthusiastic admiration. She wore a medieval-style, ivory, chiffon dress, topped off with a sparkling tiara. The outfit was the work of Robinson Valentine, the design team behind much of her mother's wardrobe.
After a service in the presence of Reverend Sally Wheeler, the newlyweds moved on to Camilla's private residence for a candlelit dinner and dancing.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
