It was the first image of the beautiful new Duchess since her official step into the royal circle.

Sitting atop her signature long chestnut locks was the crowning glory and a symbol of her royal status – the Cartier ‘halo’ tiara lent to her by the Queen.

The tiara was made by Cartier in 1936 and was given as a present to the Queen Mother by her husband the Duke of York.

She then passed it down to Princess Elizabeth – now Queen Elizabeth II – for her 18th birthday.

The bride's parents also gave their daughter a special gift for her big day.

Carole and Michael Middleton presented Kate with a specially made pair of earrings based on the family's new coat of arms to complement her tiara.

The diamond-set oak leaf earrings consisted of a pear-shaped diamond and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the middle.

The items of jewellery were created by Robinson Pelham.