Cheering crowds greeted royal newly-weds William and Kate as they were driven through the streets of London in an open-topped carriagethis afternoon .

William and his new princess smiled and waved at well-wishers lining the route from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace after a historic fairytale ceremony.

And despite fears that rain would spoil the occasion, a shaft of sunlight fell across The Mall amid the joyous scenes as the radiant bride and her handsome prince laughed and smiled.

The future king and his beautiful bride, who will now one day be queen, pledged their love for one another in the ancient surroundings of the abbey, watched by billions across the globe.

In a stunning ivory gown with lace applique floral detail designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, Kate walked up the red carpeted aisle a commoner.

With her new husband at her side and a ring on her finger, the former Miss Middleton became HRH the Duchess of Cambridge - William was made a duke by the Queen this morning.

Kate left the abbey a princess, the newest member of the royal family and a future Queen Catherine.

She was dubbed "Waity Katie" for her patience during her long courtship with William as she waited for her prince to pop the question.

Today she finally became a royal wife.

The couple are expected to appear on the Palace balcony at 2.25 p.m. (Malta time).

A loose horse was seen being the royal carriage as it made its way to Buckingham Palace, its rider having somehow been unseated, but there was no disruption.