As billions watched the historic scenes on TV and VIP guests packed magnificent Westminster Abbey, the Prince seized on the humour behind the occasion.
Turning to Michael Middleton and his dazzling daughter, he quipped with mock innocence: "I just thought it would be a small family affair!"
The comic aside - moments before the ceremony began - set Kate and her father at ease, surrounded as they were by centuries of tradition and the solemn majesty of the event.
William had arrived 40 minutes earlier with best man Prince Harry - entering the Abbey at 10.20am.
Before that a hushed chatter had filled the air as, one by one, the rich, famous and worthy filed in - slowly taking in the sheer scale and significance of the venue.
It is the final resting place of 18 monarchs - and was hosting its 15th Royal Wedding since being rebuilt by Henry III in 1245.
All around them, the Abbey's statues and memorials to Great Britons past served as a reminder that the lucky 1,900 inside had a front row seat to watch history in the making.
Guests included 40 foreign Royals and 200 members of Government, Parliament and Diplomatic Corps.
Kate arrived just after 11am, running 20 seconds late. Passing the "avenue of trees", she moved on past the nave and intricate golden quire screen and on into the quire.
She then walked to the Lantern, where she finally met William at the Sacrarium steps.
The strains of the first hymn, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, soon rose high into the nave - the singing led by the choirs of the Abbey and Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's.
SEE the key moments from the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton
Poignantly, the hymn was the last at the funeral of Wills' mum Diana.
Nineteen minutes after Kate's arrival the Archbishop of Canterbury uttered the immortal words: "I now pronounce you man and wife."
To make it official, the couple later entered the holiest part of the abbey, the tiny enclosed Chapel of St Edward the Confessor, to sign the register.
d.larcombe@the-sun.co.uk
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