Happily EVER AFTER

As we approach Valentine's Day, we take a look at some of the loveliest royal fairy-tale weddings

- ARIANA LONGSON

The Prince and Princess of Wales

In a classic tale of friendship blossoming into romance, the Prince and Princess of Wales first met in 2001 while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Fast-forward nine years, and they announced their engagement to the world after William, now 41, proposed with his late mother Princess Diana's ring.

In April 2011, two billion people across the world watched as the sweethearts said 'I do' at London's Westminster Abbey before sharing a kiss during the RAF flyover on Buckingham Palace's balcony. Kate, now 41, looked incredible in a bespoke Alexander McQueen dress, and the couple, their family and close friends enjoyed a reception hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth and a private dinner arranged by William's father, the then Prince Charles.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip