Here comes the beaming bride - Kate arrives at the Abbey

The world was given its first tantalising glimpse of bride Kate Middleton in her wedding dress today as she left to meet her royal groom at the altar.

As the soon-to-be HRH set off from the exclusive Goring Hotel in London with her proud father Michael, the ecstatic crowds lining the processional route cheered as they caught sight of the future princess and her much-anticipated bridal gown.