"Already she is like a daughter to us," said Princess Michael of Kent speaking about her son Lord Frederick Windsor's bride. "We are enchanted with Sophie."
It's clear that the congregation in the 500-year-old chapel at Hampton Court Palace were just as enraptured when Sophie Winkleman walked down the aisle to become the newest member of the royal family on a late summer's day, blessed with glorious sunshine. Her stunning dress had been created by one of her mother-in-law's favourite designers, Anna Bystrova from Roza Couture.
The 29-year-old actress – who was last seen playing a pretty royal on TV in The Palace in what seemed like a premonition - had picked out a silk gown, hand-embellished with sequins, beads and crystal. Featuring a sweetheart neckline and a three-metre train, it made Sophie, now entitled to be styled Lady Frederick Windsor, look like the princess she portrayed and the aristocrat she is.
Guests - including Armani muse Lady Helen Taylor, Freddie's stylish sister Gabriella, rock star Bryan Adams and Princess Eugenie - noted that the 30-year-old groom couldn't stop beaming throughout the day.