Royal attendance at Peter Phillips’ wedding draws crowds in London

The King and Queen arrived to cheers from a sea of Union Jacks outside St George’s Chapel as Peter Phillips, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, married Lindsay Riddell, a senior NHS nurse, in a private ceremony monitored by heightened security across Windsor.

Crowds stretched beyond the chapel gates, with some guests arriving via helicopter from London to avoid delays. The King, dressed in a morning suit, was seen exchanging brief words with Phillips and Riddell before the service. Guests described the atmosphere as "extraordinary," with onlookers camping overnight to secure a view.

Security measures escalated after intelligence reports flagged potential drone interference, a tactic used in previous unauthorized airspace breaches. Police sources confirmed that countermeasures included signal jamming and drone detection systems deployed by the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Operations group. No incidents were reported.

Inside the chapel, the service was conducted by the Bishop of London, with a choir performing a rendition of *Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer*. Riddell wore a bespoke ivory gown with a seven-meter train, while Phillips opted for a traditional morning suit. Reporters noted the absence of the Princess Royal, who was reportedly traveling abroad at the time.

Catering for the reception at Windsor Castle’s Oak Room was handled by a private firm, with menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. A spokesperson for the Palace confirmed the event was strictly private, with no official photographs permitted. The couple, who met through mutual friends in 2021, plan to honeymoon in the Maldives.

The wedding follows Phillips’ divorce from Canadian former equestrian Autumn Kelly in 2021. Riddell, a nurse at a London hospital, met Phillips through family connections. The couple’s first child is due in early 2025, adding personal significance to the occasion.

Traffic disruptions in Windsor were severe, with detours in place for two days. Local businesses reported a 40% surge in trade as visitors flocked to cafes and gift shops. The town’s mayor praised the event as a "once-in-a-generation" boost to the local economy.