IN a ceremony that captured imaginations around the world, Kate Middleton married Prince William in a union that promised to revitalize the British monarchy. A million people roared their approval as the royal couple then paraded through London in an open carriage.

Even knowing that an immense television audience was turning in to watch, the couple managed, at times, to appear wrapped up in their own private world yesterday, both at Westminster Abbey and on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

William whispered to Kate, who radiated contentment and joy, as they pledged their lives to one another at the abbey with the simple words "I will."

After a ceremonial tour around London, they then delivered what everyone had been waiting for - not just one, but two sweet kisses on the palace balcony.

Within moments, a flyby of vintage and modern Royal Air Force planes roared overhead.

For much of the world, the wedding was a dramatic introduction to the bride's beguiling star power. Despite the pressure, the 29-year-old carried the day with an easy smile, youthful exuberance and a sense of decorum that matched the event.

After the ceremony, she curtsied easily before her new grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, comfortably sharing the stage with the woman who has reigned since 1952.

Kate's wedding gown - the biggest secret of the day - brought swoons of admiration as she stepped out of a Rolls-Royce with her father at the abbey. Against all odds, the sun broke through steely gray skies at precisely that moment.

Her ivory-and-white satin dress - with its plunging neckline, long lacy shoulders and sleeves and a train over 2-meters long - was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. Middleton's hair was half-up, half-down, decorated with dramatic veil and a tiara on loan from the queen. Her diamond earrings were a gift from her parents.

William, second-in-line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles, wore the scarlet tunic of an Irish Guards officer, reinforcing his new image as a dedicated military man.

The couple's first royal wedding present came from the queen: the royal titles of the duke and duchess of Cambridge.

A flood of well-wishers - as well as some protesters - packed central London, especially around Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and other landmarks beginning at dawn, despite cool temperatures and the threat of rain. Cheers erupted as huge television screens began broadcasting at Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park.

"Will, it's not too late!" read one sign held aloft by an admirer dressed as a bride.

The Metropolitan Police estimated the crowd peaked at one million along the route, with around 500,000 people in and around The Mall trying to catch a glimpse of the couple's kiss.

Maid of honor Pippa Middleton wore a simple column dress and naturally styled hair, while best man Prince Harry was dressed in formal military attire. The flower girls, in cream dresses with full skirts and flowers in their hair, walked hand-in-hand with Pippa.

The abbey was airy and calm, the long aisle leading to the altar lined with maple and hornbeam trees as light streamed in through the high arched windows. The soft green trees framed the couple against the red carpet as they walked down the aisle, having recited their vows without stumbling before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

The couple smiled broadly as they were driven to Buckingham Palace in the open-topped State Landau, a carriage built in 1902, escorted by four white horses and followed by scarlet-clad troops on horseback.

The palace was holding two parties, one hosted by the queen for 650 guests, and an evening dinner dance for 300 close friends. The queen and her husband had promised to go away for the evening, leaving the younger royals to party the night away - and Harry to make his best man's speech away from his grandparents' ears.

British singer Ellie Goulding, 24, was due to perform, and there were rumors that Harry had even planned a breakfast for those with the stamina to dance all night.

All the questions - the wedding dress, her hair, their titles, the romantic kiss on the balcony, the honeymoon - were finally being answered yesterday. But the biggest question won't be resolved for years: Will this royal couple live happily ever after?

Will their union endure like that of William's grandparents - Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, now in its 64th year - or crumble in a spectacular and mortifying fashion like that of his own parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana?

But William and Kate seem to glow with happiness in each other's company, and unlike Charles and Diana they've had eight years to figure out that they want to be together.

Still, the fate of their marriage depends on private matters impossible for the public to gauge, since any wedding is fundamentally about two people. Will their lives together, starting with such high hopes, be blessed by good fortune, children, good health, productive work?

Much will depend on whether 28-year-old William and 29-year-old Kate can summon the things every couple needs: patience, love, wit and wisdom.

Hundreds of street parties were under way as Britons celebrated the heritage that makes them unique - and overseas visitors came to witness those traditions.

Brenda Hunt-Stevenson, a 56-year-old retired teacher from Newfoundland, Canada, said there was only one thing on her mind. "I want to see that kiss on that balcony. That's going to clinch it for me. I don't care what Kate wears. She is beautiful anyway."

Brenda Mordic, 61, from Georgia, United States, clutched a Union flag with her friend Annette Adams, 66. "We came for the excitement of everything," Mordic said. "We watched William grow up. I came for Prince Charles' wedding to Diana and I came for Princess Diana's funeral. We love royalty, England and London."

The celebration was British to the core, from the freshly polished horse-drawn carriages to the sausages and lager served at street parties. Some pubs opened early in the morning, offering beer and English breakfasts of sausages, beans, toast, fried eggs and bacon.

The festivities reflected a continuing fascination with the royal family, which despite its foibles remains a powerful symbol of unity and pride.

"It's very exciting," Prime Minister David Cameron said. "I went on to The Mall last night and met some people sleeping on the streets. There's a sense of excitement that you can't really put a word to ... it's a chance to celebrate."

Police said there had been 45 arrests, and hospital emergency rooms in London braced for a long evening.