Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially married.
And as expected the bride and groom rode off at 1pm from Windsor Castle into newlywed life in an open-top royal carriage.
Nothing quite says fairy tale romance like a horse-drawn carriage.
Astute royal fans would have picked up on it being the Ascot Landau.
As Kensington Palace explained earlier this month: “Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have selected the Ascot Landau carriage for their procession through Windsor Town after their wedding on May 19th.”
“The carriage is one of five Ascot Landaus in the Royal Mews. The carriages are used in official and ceremonial state events, such as Coronations, Royal Weddings and State Visits.”
The choice is perfect to ride throughout Windsor – and from the stunning footage featured at the top of the page it was ideal for [Meghan and Harry]( to catch a glimpse of the adoring crowds.
Joe Little from Majesty magazine spoke of the chariot, sharing, “It’s not as regal or grand as the Imperial State Landau, but it is perfect for the streets of Windsor.”
While Harry and Meghan would have had a say in the decision, the choice of carriage is ultimately made by Queen Elizabeth.
She houses all her carriages in the Royal Mews on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
Across the globe, fans everywhere all said a collective “Awww!” when they spotted a second Ascot Landau, carrying the best man Prince William and his very able bridal party – flower girl Princess Charlotte and page boy Prince George.
This is the first time we’ve seen the little ones in a royal carriage and it truly was a magical moment!
The Ascot Landau is very significant to Prince Harry – you may remember he rode in it for Prince William’s nuptials.
For 2011 royal wedding, William and his bride Kate Middleton used the Imperial State Landau.
The breathtaking carriage was built for Edward VII 109 years ago.
What Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would have used if it rained?
Thankfully, it was the perfect spring day, but if it had rained on Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding day, the couple would have very likely used the Glass Coach.
The regal vehicle was famously used by Prince Harry’s mother and father Princess Diana and Prince Charles on their wedding day back in 1981, because the weather was poor and it is the easiest one to see into.
Harry’s parents also used the Ascot Landau when the day got brighter.