Happy and glorious: OFFICIAL Royal Wedding album is released

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Full over joy and not a care in the world: William and Kate smile broadly as they stand arm-in-arm in the official wedding album


Clarence House today released the official Royal Wedding album that shows the beaming bride and groom in the throne room at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William and Kate posed for the stunning photographs shortly after getting married in a moving ceremony that captivated the world yesterday.

The newly-titled Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to be lost in matrimonial bliss as they smiled for the traditional wedding day photo album taken by Hugo Burnand.

No sooner had they arrived at Buckingham Palace from the service at Westminster Abbey did the rapturous family assume their positions for the pictures.

In the first photograph the couple stand arm-in-arm together against a stunning rich red velvet backdrop trimmed with gold.


Happy: William and Kate surrounded by, clockwise bottom right, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


The second official photograph shows William and Kate sat more informally on a step. Kate's wonderful dress flows onto the floor around them as she clutches her bouquet.

Sitting around the newlyweds are two pageboys and four bridesmaids. They are from clockwise from the bottom right The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.


The family photo: Front row left to right is Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Louise Windsor, William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row left to right is Tom Pettifer, Camilla, Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate, Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, James Middleton and Philippa Middleton


In the third photograph, the newlyweds pose for the traditional wedding photograph flanked by their families.

To the left of Kate stands her father Michael Middleton, mother Carole Middleton, brother James Middleton and sister Philipa Middleton.

Standing by William's side is Prince Harry, followed by Prince Charles,Camilla and Master Tom Pettifer.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sit on the front way with Miss Grace van Cutsem and Miss Eliza Lopes to their right.

One the other side of the front row in front of the Middleton family is the Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Lady Louise Windsor, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.


First day as husband and wife: Newlyweds William and Kate emerged holding hands into the morning sunshine at Buckingham Palace before they left by helicopter for their honeymoon at a mystery location


Married life began for newlyweds William and Kate today when they left London for a mystery destination.

The couple spent last night partying at Buckingham Palace with their close family and friends in celebration of their wedding.

But this morning they left Buckingham Palace by helicopter for an undisclosed destination.


source: dailymail

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What honeymoon? A weekend away then it's back to work for Wills on Monday

By Rob Cooper


Newly-weds: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace as they prepare to board a helicopter to fly off on their honeymoon

William and Kate spent first night together at Buckingham Palace

Couple will go on honeymoon later - but date and destination is a secret

Newlyweds expected to spend weekend at Balmoral

Newlyweds William and Kate will not go on honeymoon this weekend - and Prince William will be back at work on Monday.

The couple, who flew out of Buckingham Palace this morning, will spend the weekend together at a private location in the UK.

William will return to his job as a search and rescue helicopter pilot next week before the couple finally jet off on their overseas honeymoon at a later date.

Royal honeymoon: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, fly off from Buckingham Palace this morning


After spending their first night as a married couple together at the Palace, they walked out of the Palace casually dressed hand in hand this morning.

It had been thought they would take two weeks off for the traditional post-wedding break.

But it appears they want some private time in familiar surroundings after one of the most important days in their life saw their marriage celebrated by the nation and beyond.

They will probably travel to the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland, which will afford them privacy and stunning countryside in which to unwind.

A St James's Palace spokesman said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen not to depart for a honeymoon immediately.

'Instead, after spending the weekend privately in the United Kingdom, the Duke will return to work as a search and rescue pilot next week.

'The locations of both their private weekend before the Duke returns to work and their future honeymoon, which will be overseas, will not be disclosed in advance.'

Maid of honour Pippa Middleton and her brother James emerge from the Goring Hotel today after last night's wedding celebration


St James's Palace stressed that the couple had asked that the media respect their privacy over the weekend and during their holiday.

William and Kate emerged from the Palace today hand in hand from the palace's garden entrance, located at the side of the imposing building.

In bright sunshine, they strolled along the gravel path and out into the open space where the maroon helicopter was waiting.

The Duke's new wife wore a light blue dress, dark jacket and platform shoes, while he was dressed in his trademark chinos with a pale blue shirt and navy jacket - a casual look in complete contrast to yesterday.

The couple stopped briefly to chat to two Royal Household footmen and appeared to be thanking for them after their stay.

When they finished, William put his hand on the small of his wife's back and they went over to talk to the helicopter pilot before climbing on board.

Newly-weds thanked Buckingham Palace footmen and spoke briefly to the pilot before boarding the helicopter this morning


Before they got on the aircraft, palace staff had carried out some of their luggage, which included a bouquet of white blooms.

The couple are said to still be on a high after their wedding day which was both an intimate family affair and a global event televised across the world.

Pippa Middleton and the rest of her family, who had been staying at The Goring hotel, left this afternoon, smiling broadly.

Michael, Carole, Pippa and James Middleton posed briefly for photographs in casual clothes.

Pippa, who wowed a worldwide audience yesterday in her stunning bridesmaid dress, was wearing a blue blazer, cream buttoned shirt and white jeans.

They looked happy and relaxed and bore no signs of the after- effects of last night's celebrations.

Mr Middleton told the gathered crowd: 'We had a wonderful time.'

For William and Kate, Kenya is thought to be the most likely honeymoon destination as a punter tried to put £5,000 on William and Kate heading back to the country where he proposed last year.

But the Caribbean, Australia, Jordan and Scotland are among the destinations that the couple may have chosen.

The Middletons emerge: Mother Carole Middleton, father Michael, brother James and maid of honour Pippa Middleton leave The Goring hotel

Morning after: William and Catherine, casually dressed, head out of Buckingham Palace this morning after a huge party for 300 family and friends last night

Palace joker: Prince Harry leaves Buckingham Palace in a coach - while wedding guest Chelsy Davy left in a royal car with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie


At last night's the black-tie do, which started with dinner in the palace's lavish ballroom and ended with dancing into the small hours, Prince Harry gave his best man's speech.

Around 300 family and friends attended the lavish bash last night where they partied until 3am.

William may have flown out in a helicopter this morning, but his younger brother and best man Harry had to make do with a minibus.

The Prince was photographed leaving the Palace at 3am - while Chelsy Davy left with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in a car.

The couple are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after the Queen bestowed the title on her grandson.

Royal wedding guests said they were feeling a little jaded today.

His father's car: William drives Catherine to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace in his father's soft-top Aston Martin decorated with balloons yesterday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand after a lavish bash for 300 people last night

Prince William, his wife Catherine and their bridesmaids and page boys Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


As Kate and William flew off from Buckingham Palace in a helicopter to begin married life together, one guest described how the celebrations had continued into the early hours.

Kate's family, along with some of their guests, stayed at the exclusive Goring hotel near the palace.

Family friend Tony Ainsworth, from Dorset, said outside the hotel: 'It has been an historic occasion. After the concerns of getting to the church on time, it all went smoothly.

'We had a party at the hotel last night that went on well into the evening, so we're feeling a little jaded this morning. Carole and Mike (Middleton) made an appearance as well.

'I went to bed around 1am but I heard guests stumbling around at 5am, coming back from the palace, which woke me up.

'My own daughter got married two years ago and, as a father of the bride, I thought Mike handled himself brilliantly, James also gave an incredible address.

'I hear everyone's talking about Pippa. She looked stunning. She's the most eligible girl in the country right now.'

Party: Wedding guests leave Buckingham Palace in the early hours of this morning after the evening reception, attended by 300 close family and friends

Royal departure: Prince Charles is driven away from Clarence House in his Aston Martin which William used to drive Kate yesterday with the numberplate 'Just Wed'

Flashback: William drives his new wife in his father's soft top, decorated in balloons, out of Buckingham Palace and down to Clarence House

Guests leave: The party at the Palace lasted until 3am - when there was a brief fireworks display to mark the end of the celebrations

WHERE ARE THEY GOING? NEWLY-WEDS DESTINATION REMAINS SECRET

Bookmakers had this morning made Kenya the 3-1 joint favourite after a punter had tried to place a £5,000 stake.

But they may continue their wedding theme of championing the UK and spend part of their break in Scotland, where both the Queen and the Prince of Wales have private homes they could use.

Bookies are also offering 3-1 odds on William and Kate heading north of the border.

The Duke is known to have a deep affection for Africa, and would be on safe romantic territory if he chose to take his wife to Kenya, where he proposed to her last year.

Jordan, with its plethora of ancient sites, has also been touted as a possibility for the couple's honeymoon.

The Middle Eastern country would no doubt have nostalgic appeal for Kate as her family spent two years there when she was a child. However its proximity to hotspots such as Syria could count against the country.

If they are keen to escape the prying eyes of the media, a secluded Caribbean island might be a safe choice.

Bequia and Necker Island all have the benefit of being easily secured, as does the ultra-exclusive Mustique, where Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are frequent visitors.

Lizard Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has also emerged as a contender.

However, with William resuming his pilot duties in two weeks, the significant jetlag likely from such a far-flung trip could rule it out.

They may also be tempted by Chile, as they both spent time in the South American country during their gap years before university.

Thirty years ago, William's parents the Prince and Princess of Wales spent the first stage of their honeymoon in Romsey in Hampshire, where they stayed at Broadlands, the family home of the Mountbattens.

The second part of their holiday was spent on board the royal yacht Britannia. They boarded at the Rock of Gibraltar before cruising to Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, the Greek islands and Egypt.

Finally, they went to Scotland to spend time with the Royal Family in Balmoral.

Honeymoon destination odds

3/1 Kenya; 3/1 Scotland; 7/2 Jordan; 11/2 Cornwall, 6/1 South Africa,7/1 Caribbean, 10/1 Mustique; 10/1 Tanzania, 20/1 Seychelles, 20/1 Saint Tropez, 25/1 Australia, 25/1 Monaco, 25/1 Maldives, 33/1 Wales (all odds from William Hill)



source:dailymail

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Two kisses...two families coming together at last

By Paul Harris


Welcome to the Firm: The Middletons share the public's acclaim on the Buckingham Palace balcony


He is infamous for his bad jokes – and even on the Buckingham Palace balcony Prince Harry struck again. The 26-year-old quipped that his grandfather, Prince Philip, was dwarfed by Kate Middleton, who stood tall in three-inch heels alongside her prince.

His stunning second sister-in-law Pippa, 27, did not appear amused – but she will need to get used to Harry’s humour. And at least she seemed happier talking to the Duke of Edinburgh, 89, who is renowned for his charm with beautiful women.

Unimpressed: Three-year-old Grace van Cutsem fails to join in the excitement


Yards away, bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem had no qualms about showing her annoyance at the traditions of the day. The three-year-old covered her ears grumpily as the flypast took place noisily overhead. She may, too, have been grimacing about the soppy sweet nothings being whispered just over her left shoulder.

All eyes on the sky: The balcony party watch the RAF's Battle of Britain flypast


A lip reader’s analysis showed that, following their first kiss, Wil- Paul Harris reports liam touchingly told his new bride ‘I love you’ before going in for a second crowd-thrilling embrace.

‘Let’s give them another one. l love you. One more kiss, one more kiss, okay,’ he said. After the final kiss he gently mocked the enthusiasm of the cheering hordes, saying: ‘Come on! Come on! More! More! More!’

Unamused: Infamous joker Harry provokes a grimace from Pippa

Charmed: Prince Philip has more success with the head bridesmaid


Further along the balcony, Prince Charles jokingly asked the father of the bride Mike Middleton: ‘Can you see from here?’ Charles was also more tactile than usual, as he lifted up his wife’s young granddaughter Eliza Lopes so she could get a better view.

Throughout the balcony scene, William and Kate were understandably oblivious to the family bonding going on around them. The moment she stepped out in front of the crowd, Kate exclaimed ‘wow’ and looked in awe at the thousands of flag wavers who will one day be her subjects.

In-laws on parade: A beaming Mike and Carole Middleton beside Charles, perhaps tiring of holding Eliza, and Camilla

Unable to resist a backward glance, Kate leaves the balcony with her proud husband beside Charles, perhaps tiring of holding Eliza, and Camilla


source:dailymail

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The eight-tiered Royal Wedding cake decorated with 900 symbolic sugar-paste flowers on Kate's request

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

The masterpiece: Fiona Cairns, stands next to the wedding cake that she and her team made for Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace

They celebrated their love for each other today in a lavish Royal Wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey and this is the extraordinary cake that they enjoyed at the reception.

Prince William and his bride Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, cut the first slice of the magnificent eight-tiered wedding cake this afternoon as they celebrated their marriage with friends and family.

The confectionery masterpiece covered in cream and white icing and decorated with up to 900 delicate sugar-paste flowers was centre-stage at the Buckingham Palace reception held in the picture gallery.


Hard work: The project has left cake-maker Fiona Cairns exhausted but elated after working for five weeks on the project


The project has left cake-maker Fiona Cairns exhausted but elated after working for five weeks on it which has tested her skills and those of her team to the limit.

Ms Cairns, 56, whose confections are sold in Harrods, Selfridges and Waitrose, was contacted by St James's Palace in February and asked if she would make William and Kate's wedding cake.

Speaking at Buckingham Palace after she had put the final touches to the cake, she said: ‘The picture gallery has high ceilings and is an imposing room so I wanted the cake to have presence but not to be imposing and I think it worked.


Finishing touches: Staff perfect the special cake, that was covered in cream and white icing and decorated with up to 900 delicate sugar-paste flowers


‘Catherine did not want it to be seven feet tall, she didn't want it to be towering and thin, and I think we succeeded.

The bride wanted elements from the Joseph Lambeth technique of cake decoration, where intricate piping is used to make three dimensional scroll work, leaves, flowers and other adornments.

Kate also gave Ms Cairns detailed instructions for her to include 17 different blooms and foliage for their meaning or symbolism - known as the ‘language of flowers’.


Fruity! The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are fans of the baker's fruit cakes, while Paul McCartney orders one for Christmas every year


Ms Cairns, who lives in Leicestershire where her factory is based, started her business from her kitchen table and now employs more than 50 people.

She said: ‘I could not believe I finished it in time but we were all really pleased with it. I worked at the palace for two days before the wedding, setting it up with my team.

‘The hardest part was transporting the cakes from Leicestershire to the palace - we were worried they would get damaged - then we had to assemble them.

‘It was tough work but I really enjoyed it. It's been an extraordinary commission.’


Delicious: Rachel Jane Eardley, left, and Diane Pallett prepare the royal wedding cake in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace


Team work: Fiona Cairns (back) instructs her Royal Wedding cake team during the finishing touches at Buckingham Palace


Newlyweds: Prince William and his bride Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, enjoyed the Royal Wedding cake at their reception


The Royal Wedding's Lavish Cakes



source: dailymail

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The moment the world held its breath as William struggled to get the ring on Kate's finger

By Andy Milne


Tense moment: Prince William puts the ring on Kate, Duchess of Cambridge's finger during their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey


It was the moment two billion people held their breath.

As William put the ring on his bride's finger in Westminster Abbey, for just a second, it looked like it wouldn't fit.

But the prince managed to stay cool in a tight spot, no doubt helped by his time at Sandhurst, and struggled the simple gold band into place.

It was the only tense moment of a spectacular fairytale ceremony inside Westminster Abbey.

Struggle: William had to apply a considerable amount of pressure to get the ring into place. But he stayed cool and eventually got the simple band into place

The future king and his bride, who will now one day be queen, pledged their love for one another in the ancient surroundings, watched by two billion across the globe.

The Rolls-Royce carrying the bride arrived Westminster Abbey at 11am as the church bells rang out.

When her father took her left hand they began their procession along the red carpet that started outside the ancient building and led inside, with her sister Pippa carrying her train.

The Dean of Westminster greeted the bride and her father and the pair paused as final adjustments were made to the dress before the procession began.

As her young bridesmaids and pageboys assembled behind her in the nave, beneath the impressive 18th-century stained glass West Window, Miss Middleton was able to take in the abbey's shimmering Waterford crystal chandeliers and vast gothic arches above her.

Arrival: Prince William and his best man Britain's Prince Harry arrive at Westminster Abbey

Here come the relatives: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, left arrived after Carole Middleton, right, who chose a sky blue outfit

More royalty: Zara Philips chose a grey outfit with a striking slanted hat, while Prince Edward arrived in military uniform

Proud moment: The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall wave as their car makes its way to the Abbey

Here to see her son: The Queen greets The Right Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster at the Abbey

Royal arrival: Prince Charles and Camilla arrive at Westminster Abbey followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Senior politicians are sitting in the stalls behind the choir

Her big moment: Kate Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton at the West Door of Westminster Abbey

Soaking it all up: Philippa Middleton looks after the junior bridesmaids as Kate waves to the crowds outside the Abbey

Time to go inside: Philippa Middleton gathers the bridesmaids and page boys and takes them into the church

Here we go: Kate Middleton heads inside with her father Michael as her sister Pippa holds her dress

A fairytale begins: The Dean of Westminster greats the bride, left, and she walks through the avenue of trees with her father Michael

Nerves jangling: The bride walks through the avenue of trees as she enters the Abbey

Here comes the bride: Kate Middleton is led by her father along the aisle at Westminster Abbey as senior politicians including Ed Miliband, the Prime Minister and William Hague look on

Cavernous ceilings: Kate walked up the aisle to the sound of coronation anthem Parry's I Was Glad

Ceremony begins: The first hymn sung was Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, which was the last sung at Princess Diana's funeral


On her father's arm, Kate walked up the aisle as a commoner to the sounds of the coronation anthem, Parry's 'I Was Glad'.

When they arrived at the altar Prince William apparently cracked a joke to his father-in-law, according to a lip-reader, saying: 'We're supposed to have just a small family affair.'

Moments earlier, William's best man Prince Harry apparently told his brother: 'Right she is here now.'

As her groom waited, Kate moved along the red carpet, around the south side of the poppy-lined Grave of the Unknown Warrior - the only gravestone in the abbey over which it is not permitted to walk.

Behind her was her maid of honour and sister charmingly holding hands with the youngest of the bridesmaids Eliza Lopes and Grace van Cutsem - both just three-years-old.

Knelt in prayer: The bride and groom were married by the Archbishop of Canterbury

Brothers and sisters: Best man Prince Harry and chief bridesmaid Phillipa Middelton follow the husband and wife out the Abbey to a crowd of adoring royal fans


They were followed by Lady Louise Windsor and the Hon Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and then the page boys Tom Pettifer and Billy Lowther-Pinkerton.

Walking through the 'avenue of trees', Kate processed past delighted guests seated facing inwards in the nave before moving through the intricate golden quire screen, on top of which sit the orchestra, and into the quire.

In the Victorian gothic wooden stalls lined with red lamps, sat Prime Minister David Cameron and other senior politicians and high commissioners, as well as the two choirs and their schoolboy choristers.

Here, Miss Middleton made her way to the Lantern, where she finally met William, resplendent in his dashing red Irish Guards uniform, at the Sacrarium steps.

In the south transept stood William's grandparents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, his father the Prince of Wales and stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall, and other members of the Royal Family.

In the north transept were the Middletons and many of William and Kate's close friends.

Husband and wife: The royal couple leave the Abbey after the ceremony. Kate's dress was designed by Sarah Burton. William wears his ceremonial Iriah Guards uniform

You look beautiful: Kate Middleton and Prince William hold hands as the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams conducts the service


The first hymn, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, rose high into the nave as the choirs of the abbey and Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's, led the congregation in singing.

Dean of Westminster Dr John Hall began the service with the famous words: 'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony...'

The cleric went on to utter the immortal lines: '...if any man can shew any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.'

Before beginning the marriage ceremony, the Archbishop asked the couple if there was any reason why they could not wed.

He said to the bride and groom: '...if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it.'

The only two acceptable reasons would be if couple were too closely related or if either were already married.

William spoke in public for the first time today when he replied 'I will' in a clear and strong voice to the Archbishop of Canterbury's question about whether he would 'love, comfort, honour and keep' Kate.

His bride spoke more softly when she said 'I will' in response to the same question.

Kate looked nervous and at several points appeared slightly choked with emotion as she repeated her vows in front of the large congregation.

In his address, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, read a prayer penned by William and Kate.

Fairytale ceremony: Prince William and the new Duchess of Cambridge leave the Abbey

Honour guard: Soldiers, sailor and airmen follow the royal couple away from the Abbey

The fairytale continues: Guests awaiting the arrival of the bride at the beginning of the ceremony


The newlyweds asked for spiritual help to maintain focus on the things that mattered, and to be "generous" with their "time and love and energy".

They also called on God to help them 'serve and comfort those who suffer' - a declaration of intent for their new life together.

The bishop, who has close links to the groom and his family, told the congregation: "I pray that everyone present and the many millions watching this ceremony and sharing in your joy today will do everything in their power to support and uphold you in your new life.

'I pray that God will bless you in the way of life you have chosen, a way which is expressed in the prayer that you have written together in preparation for this day.

'God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage.

'In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

'Strengthened by our union, help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen'."

The couple and their immediate family enjoyed their only private moment of the service when they retired to the abbey's holiest area to sign the registers.

The bride and groom were joined by Charles and Camilla, Michael and Carole Middleton, best man Harry and Kate's brother James and sister Pippa in the tiny enclosed Chapel of St Edward the Confessor behind the altar.

After a few minutes the newlyweds were left on their own for a period with just Harry and Pippa.

When they emerged, the couple approached the Queen and paused to pay their respects to the monarch.

Kate gave a low curtsy - the first time she has formally acknowledged the sovereign in public - while William nodded to his grandmother.

A special fanfare entitled Valiant And Brave - after the motto of the Prince's RAF Search and Rescue No 22 Squadron - was played.

The 30-second newly commissioned celebration was sounded by seven trumpeters and one drummer from the Central Band of the RAF.

The bride and groom then processed down the nave with Harry and Pippa behind them arm in arm, moving on to the adoring crowds outside.









source:dailymail

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