The 36-year-old American actress specifically included forget-me-nots - the favourite flowers of the mother-in-law she never had the chance to meet - in her bouquet to honour the memory of Harry's mother who died in a Paris car crash in 1997.

Harry also handpicked several flowers from the couple's private garden at Kensington Palace to include in his bride's bouquet, which elegantly complemented her pure white silk Givenchy wedding dress and Queen Mary's diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, on loan from the Queen. .

Flowers also featured heavily in Ms Markle's stunning five-metre silk tulle veil, which was specifically designed with all 53 Commonwealth countries in mind.

With Harry having recently been appointed by the Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, Ms Markle wanted her veil to include the distinctive flora of each of the 53-member nations.

Australia's famous wattle, New Zealand's kowhai, an Indian lotus and Kenya's tropical orchid were among the collection of hand-embroidered flowers made from silk threads and organza.

"The Commonwealth family of nations - of which Her Majesty The Queen is Head -will be a central part of Prince Harry's and Ms Markle's official work following His Royal Highness's appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador," a statement from Buckingham Palace said.

"Ms Markle wanted to express her gratitude for the opportunity to support the work of the Commonwealth by incorporating references to its members into the design of her wedding dress."

The newlyweds will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they begin the next stage of their lives working together carrying out their duties as senior members of the royal family.

The Queen bestowed the titles on the couple as a wedding gift just hours before Ms Markle and Harry exchanged vows at the historic St George's Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The hour-long service mixed tradition with modern splashes of American culture, including a gospel choir and an energetic address from Chicago-based bishop Michael Curry who managed to elicit sniggers from some in the congregation.

Ms Markle's mother Doria Ragland, 61, who travelled from her home in Los Angeles for the wedding, blinked back tears during the hour-long serice.

However her father Thomas Markle, 73, had to watch the ceremony from the US after he pulled out of the ceremony earlier in the week saying he needed to undergo heart surgery.

"My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy. I wish I were there and I wish them all my love and all happiness," he told US celebrity website TMZ.

During the ceremony and reception senior royals including the Queen and Prince Charles mixed with A-list celebrities including show host Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, James Blunt and Ms Markle's former co-stars from TV drama Suits.

Diana's brother Earl Spencer and her sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale were also there.

Guests at the reception feasted on canapes including Scottish langoustines, grilled asparagus and croquette of confit lamb, while being entertained by Sir Elton John.

Pol Roger champagne was served, alongside soft drinks and elderflower cordial.

But the highlight was expected to be the wedding cake featuring filling made from Amalfi lemon curd and elderflower buttercream.

Thousands of people turned out to line the streets of Windsor to cheer on the royal newlyweds, who delighted them by sharing a tender kiss on the stone steps of St George's Chapel just minutes after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, declared the couple husband and wife.

Australian Associated Press