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Harry and Meghan ready to start royal married life

Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan are starting their life together as a married couple after an emotional wedding ceremony that broke new ground.

Many of the conventions of last century were swept aside as the mixed-race US actress married the sixth in line to the throne.

The newlyweds are expected to return to normal life and bid farewell to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh after spending the night at Windsor Castle.

The destination of their honeymoon has not yet been confirmed but it is expected to be Namibia or Botswana in southern Africa.

But that will have to wait until after Tuesday, when the couple are attending a Buckingham Palace reception with Charles and Camilla to mark the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday.

Meghan has already said she is determined to "hit the ground running" as she becomes a full-time royal.

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About 100,000 people turned out to see the couple as they sat in an open-top Ascot Landau for a carriage procession through Windsor after they exchanged their vows and were pronounced husband and wife.

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Up to an estimated two billion more watched the occasion on TV around the world, with particular attention being paid in the US, the new Duchess of Sussex's home country.

The Royal Family thanked all the guests and others who joined in the celebrations throughout the day.

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A statement tweeted out said: "Thank you to everyone who came to Windsor and those who followed from around the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world today. Congratulations once again to the newly married Duke and Duchess of Sussex. #royalwedding."

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Many on social media remarked at the diversity on display at the event, with a black cellist preforming the solos, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams and Idris Elba in the audience and an African-American mother-of-the-bride.

Joy Widgeon, who attended a party in New Jersey, said after watching the wedding on TV: "African-Americans were front and centre at the royal wedding. This was the first time, and hopefully it won't be the last. I am here for it."

Meghan walked alone up the majority of the aisle herself with Charles only accompanying her for the closing few yards as they approached the altar.

Meghan's mother Doria Ragland sat alone, facing the Queen in St George's Chapel's quire, prompting many observers to comment on the significance of having a single mother take part in a royal wedding.

Her father, Thomas Markle, was reported by TMZ to be bursting with pride despite regretting not being there after suffering heart problems amid claims he had been involved in fake paparazzi shots.

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A gospel choir sang the Ben E King hit Stand By Me during the service, but the star of the show for many was black American Episcopal Church bishop the Most Rev Michael Curry, who delivered a sermon about love.

Also going against convention was Harry keeping his beard while wearing a military uniform, and Meghan wearing a borrowed tiara before she had officially tied the knot.

Scores of the 600 congregation members who attended the service went on to a lunchtime stand-up reception at which the cake was served alongside bowl food and canapes.

There was a performance from Elton John as well as speeches by the Duke of Sussex and his father the Prince of Wales.

About 200 guests were also invited to a black tie evening reception at Frogmore House, in the grounds of Windsor Castle which, just before midnight, was lit up by a fireworks display.

The bride changed out of the dress by designer Clare Waight Keller, from Givenchy, that she wore to exchange her vows and put on a white gown with a high neck and bare shoulders designed by Stella McCartney for the late bash.

It had initially been reported that Meghan would deliver a speech at the luncheon, but the palace later corrected their statement and said she would be speaking in the evening.

The newlyweds are expected to travel home to Kensington Palace in central London on Sunday.

Among those to congratulate the pair were Meghan's former Suits co-stars, who attended the ceremony and are in the UK. Gabriel Macht, who plays her legal colleague in the US show, posted on Instagram: "Congrats to Meghan and Prince Harry on your nuptials.

"Enjoyed meeting many of your family and friends and an incredible honor to be a part of the whole celebration. May your journey together be full of love and children. Cheers! #royalwedding #princeharry#meghanmarkle."

:: Relive the magic! See all of the guests as they arrived at the royal wedding - use our exclusive, interactive Who's Who feature on the Sky News app and website. Watch our Sky News royal wedding hour-long special on catch-up in HD and UHD and on Sky Q.