Praise as wedding goes without hitch

POLICE have praised the 6000-strong crowd at the royal wedding after it emerged that no arrests had been made and the operation went "smoothly".

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall yesterday left Holyroodhouse after the ceremony and celebrations along the Royal Mile on Saturday.

Locals and tourists offered a mini boost to city centre takings, and some keen fans even camped outside the Canongate Kirk to ensure they would have the best views.

Guests included the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, the officer in charge of the operation, said: "We were pleased to welcome so many people to the Royal Mile today, and delighted with the fantastic atmosphere that was generated by good-natured crowds."

Paramedics treated 19 casualties on the day, mostly as a result of the heat.

Council leader Jenny Dawe said: "Today was a memorable day for Edinburgh. Sincere thanks are due to all staff, whose hard work and discretion were instrumental."

The couple tied the knot at a private ceremony in front of their families and friends at Canongate Kirk, where large crowds of well-wishers turned out on the streets to cheer and wave flags.

They went on to celebrate their wedding with the Queen and members of the royal family at Holyroodhouse, where around 400 guests enjoyed music and dancing and drank from a vodka fountain.

Disco lights could be seen and music could be heard playing from 10.30pm from within the palace walls.