Global royalists celebrate wedding

There was silence along the Long Walk in Windsor as thousands of well-wishers listened to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say their vows -- then the crowd erupted into cheers and popped prosecco corks as they were declared husband and wife.

Crowds of colourful royal enthusiasts from around the world flocked to the historic British town yesterday, many of them gathering on the tree-lined avenue leading up to the castle.

People from as far afield as Canada, Australia and the Philippines waved Union Jack flags, donned tiaras, royal t-shirts hats and scarves, cheering and dancing as they watched the ceremony on big screens.

"She looks beautiful -- it's a timeless dress," said Denise Show, 46, from southeast England, as Markle emerged in a white sculpted gown with a long veil stretching out behind her.

Harry, Duke of Sussex, places the wedding ring on the finger of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Photo: AFP, Reuters

When the choir in St George's Chapel sang "Stand by Me", the crowds outside joined in. The Long Walk was transformed into a sea of Union Jack flags when the national anthem played.

"It's like a dream," said Theodora Torres, 71, who came from Los Angeles with her husband.

Harry and Meghan drew huge cheers when they went past in an open-topped horse-drawn carriage after the wedding, escorted by soldiers in gleaming ceremonial uniforms.

Karen Long, from the US state of Texas, said she felt compelled to come to Britain for the big occasion given Markle's American nationality.

"I feel like she is one of us!" she said. "We all wanted to be a princess, we thought we couldn't and there she is, breaking all the barriers."

UK royals including Queen Elizabeth II watch proceedings during the ceremony. Photo: AFP, Reuters

Some of the most fanatical supporters camped for days, seeking to secure the best spots to watch the happy couple ride by.

Armed police, sniffer dogs and airport-style security scanners were deployed throughout the town, while huge barriers were hauled into place to prevent a vehicle attack.

Police patrolling the parade route Saturday were applauded by crowds, as snipers took up positions on numerous roofs.

One of the largest cheers from the crowds came when Prince Charles stepped forward to accompany Markle down the aisle, after her own father Thomas pulled out due to ill-health. However, she made part of the journey through the church on her own -- something many in the crowd applauded.

There were also audible sighs when the big screen focused on Markle's mother Doria Ragland, who was visibly moved by the ceremony.