The Hollywood kiss: Meghan Markle asks Prince Harry if they should embrace - and groom answers 'yeah'
Prince Harry and his American bride shared a "Hollywood kiss" on the stone steps of St George's Chapel, just moments after exchanging vows.
The newlyweds emerged into the sunshine, and shared an embrace to the delight of the waiting crowd.
Meghan Markle asked her new husband: "Do we kiss?" to which he replied with a discreet "Yeah", according to lip reader Tina Lannin.
Judi James, a body language expert, said: "The timing of the kiss was perfect and it looked like Meghan's idea to do it on the steps, as she was the one who murmured to him.
"It almost seemed like her theatrical experience may have influenced the decision to do it early, as the more time you wait the more tension and pressure builds up. Whereas she signalled to do it early to keep things calm."
She added: "It was a really smart move from her. It showed the poise she had carried throughout the ceremony and that she was able to lead the day.
"It was a very Hollywood kiss. They just slightly leaned their heads to a right angle and Harry went for the lower lip which is popular on screen technique as it minimises the amount of damage done to the make-up. It was a very clever way to ensure there were no problems and that it all went smoothly."
The traditional "first kiss" is as much a part of a royal wedding as the ceremony itself.
Ever since the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer delighted millions by sealing their marriage with the romantic gesture, royal newlyweds have puckered up in front of well-wishers in what is a defining moment of the day.
Royal wedding day pictures: Best photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ceremony and reception
These rare displays of affection afford the public a glimpse into each relationship and the ease at which some, more than others, are willing to show their love for their new spouse.
When Charles and his new bride married on July 29, 1981, their kiss became one of the most enduring images in royal history.
The break from formality and royal protocol came in direct response to calls from the crowds waiting below the Buckingham Palace balcony.
At the time, Charles was reported to have said to Diana: "I am not going to do that caper. They are trying to get us to kiss." Then, she responded: "Well, how about it?"
However, as the young princess arched gracefully backwards, her veil flowing behind her in a fairytale pose, her husband appeared rather less at ease, creating a slightly stilted embrace.
Five years later, the Duke and Duchess of York followed in their footsteps, appearing to relish their wedding day "balcony moment".
A smiling and relaxed-looking Sarah Ferguson played to the crowds, putting her hand behind her ear, and appearing to mouth "what?" and "I can't hear" before leaning in for a kiss with her new husband.
In 2011, it was the turn of Harry's brother the Duke of Cambridge with his new wife, Catherine Middleton.
With the eyes of the world upon them, the couple's long-awaited kiss demonstrated confidence and spontaneity. To the delight of well-wishers waiting below, they kissed not once but twice.
To chants of "kiss, kiss, kiss", William and Kate shared a brief but loving kiss that failed to completely satisfy the crowds, who began calling for more just minutes later.
Once more the newlyweds obliged, to huge cheers from below.
In contrast to his first wedding, there was no public embrace when Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles married in April 2005.
The couple were married in a civil ceremony, which was followed by a blessing at St George's Chapel - the venue for Harry and Meghan's nuptials.
Following the blessing, Charles and Camilla left arm in arm and were joined by their families on the steep stone chapel steps.
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