Royal wedding gaffes played down
Both Labour and the Conservatives are trying to paper over minor gaffes after Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in Westminster Abbey.
David Cameron’s wife Samantha raised eyebrows with her decision not to wear a hat, prompting a wave of criticism on social media platforms.
The prime minister pointed out she was wearing “something in her hair” – a small jewelled clasp – but added: “Don’t test me on that sort of thing.”
Mr Cameron himself eventually opted for a morning suit, but only after uncertainty about his clothing intentions from within Downing Street.
Labour was forced to backpedal after shadow Welsh secretary Peter Hain complained about the lack of screen time during the coverage for leader of the opposition Ed Miliband.
Mr Hain had tweeted: “Loads of TV coverage of Cameron and Clegg at wedding but none of Ed. BBC airbrushing Labour like the palace?”
The Labour leader did not get much screen time when compared with members of the Cabinet, and especially the prime minister. But the BBC pointed out shots of Mr Miliband and his fiancée Justine Thornton had been used.
A Labour source was quoted as saying: “No-one should be trying to make a political row on this day of celebration.”
An estimated one million people were in London to join in the celebrations and see the royal couple kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace twice.
These saw a total of 55 arrests by 20:00 BST last night, the Metropolitan police said.
Twenty-five were for breach for the peace. Other offences included possession of an offensive weapon, drunk and disorderly and assault.
Mr Cameron hosted a street party in Downing Street yesterday afternoon and praised the “incredibly romantic and moving” service.
“It’s a great moment for Britain, a moment when everyone is celebrating and it’s being watched round the world where people will see lots of things they love about Britain,” he added.
“The ceremonial, the pageantry, the royal family, the institution – but also this beautiful young couple who love each other very much.”
The newly-titled Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the night celebrating with friends in a Buckingham Palace reception, before flying off to an undisclosed location for the long weekend.
Prince William will spend the next week working as usual in Angelsey, before heading off on honeymoon.
