“God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. Strengthened by our union, help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen. ”

• It was the moment that the royal watches around the world had been waiting for. In November of last year, Prince William and Catherine Middleton appeared in front of the cameras to announce their engagement.

< Met in the university

Got engaged >

• The history of the royal couple goes back nearly 10 years - to the Scottish town of St. Andrews, where the prince began university in 2001. It was there, protected from media intrusion, that he met fellow student Kate Middleton.

• Observers speculate that Cupid’s arrow struck when William saw Kate modeling a see-through dress at a fashion show.

• They became friends and shared

a house with other students.

Exactly when they began dating is unclear, but Linda Cunningham, the owner of a local café who claims William wooed his future bride over coffee and cake, says she had early suspicions.

• In October 2010, William proposed while on holiday in Kenya - with the engagement ring of his late mother.

• Kate’s biggest challenge will be the inevitable comparisons with Princess Diana. She was just 20 when she married Prince Charles. The nation and much of the world were captivated.

Middleton was raised in a wealthy family. Her parents are self-made millionaires who run a party accessories website from their home west of London. Kate’s mother used to be an air hostess and traces her family back to coal miners and butchers.

Making the wedding cake

Street parties and celebrations