Inside the evening reception: First dance, Meghan's speech and a chance for the newlyweds to let their hair down
As festivities on the streets of Windsor wound down, the guests of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's evening wedding reception showed no sign of pause.
Around 11pm fireworks lit up the night sky over Frogmore House where the couple were celebrating with 200 of their closest friends and family.
The grand finale of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was billed as a private affair - a chance for the selected guests to relax and celebrate with the happy couple.
The thud of loud music could be heard over the grounds of Windsor Castle as the newlywed’s guest danced the night away.
Speeches, including from Meghan herself, were also expected at the evening reception where the couple were to take their first dance.
Royal wedding day pictures: Best photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ceremony and reception
Leaving for the evening reception earlier in the evening Prince Harry proved he was the perfect gentleman as he opened the door of a vintage car to let his bride step in.
Ms Markle wore a sleek Stella McCartney dress with a halter neck, showing off her shoulders and back with her hair up in a chic bun.
The dress was described as a “bespoke lily white high neck gown made of silk crepe”, with satin shoes from Aquazurra with soles painted in baby blue: her “something blue”.
Her hair had been styled by George Northwood especially for the more relaxed evening.
The couple travelled from Windsor Castle to Frogmore House in a silver blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. The number plate was E19 05 18, marking their wedding date.
This vehicle was originally manufactured in 1968, and has since been converted to electric power, suiting the couple’s eco-credentials.
Prince Harry appears to have given his bride a poignant wedding day gift - an impressive, emerald cut aquamarine ring which belonged to his late, beloved mother.
Ms Markle wore the large gem on her right hand as the couple made their way to their evening reception.
As Prince Harry and Ms Markle left Windsor Castle, following their afternoon reception, official photographs and time for an outfit change, they posed for a picture before climbing into the vintage car.
Prince Harry gallantly opened the door, waiting for Ms Markle to gather her long dress into the footwell before closing it gently, as they smiled broadly.
With the Prince in the driving seat, on the left hand side of the car, they made their way through the Windsor estate to Frogmore in the soft evening light.
Guests including Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras shared their excitement at being invited to the exclusive evening do, placing a picture of the invitation on social media along with a new suit and aftershave.
Serena Williams, the tennis player, uploaded a photograph of herself in a glamorous evening gown, saying, “Thank you Pierpaolo for making me look special on this special evening.”
Evening guests included Ben and Jessica Mulroney, who posted a photograph of herself in a figure-hugging, sequinned, floor length dress.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were also seen driving to the Windsor Farm Shop en route to Frogmore.
Ms Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, accessorized her second outfit with a large aquamarine ring once owned by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Frogmore House, a 17th century English country house, stands in the home park of Windsor Castle and is part of the Crown Estate and is only open to individuals on three days of the year.
From 7pm, a select 200 close friends arrived at the after party hosted by the Prince of Wales half a mile away from Windsor Castle.
Royal wedding day pictures: Best photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ceremony and reception
The 17th century Grade I country house is owned by the Crown Estate and is part of the Frogmore Estate on the ground of the Home Park.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle's engagement photos were taken in the grounds of Frogmore House. The images were taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski, who has also been chosen to take the photographs on the wedding day.
Lubomirski, the British-born son of Peruvian-English mother and a Polish-French father, also happens to be a Prince himself: his full title is His Serene Highness Prince Alexi Lubomirski.
It is expected that members of the Royal family, Ms Markle's family and intimate friends of both the newlyweds will be at the evening reception – although Princess Charlotte and Prince George will no doubt have been put to bed after their big day in the limelight.
While the Duchess of York was invited to the service, she is said to be “deeply unhappy” that she has not been invited to the private reception later in the day.
The Duke of York and his daughters with Fergie, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York are said to be attending both events.
The couple have reportedly chosen Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) as their first dance.
Ms Markle revealed in a 2016 interview with Lifestyle Magazine that the hit is her 'happy song'.
Earlier this week, Skybet revealed the track is the bookies' favourite, with the odds at 2/5.
Bob Marley is also on their list, at 10/1 – while Elton John is at 2/1, but having already performed at the afternoon reception, his involvement could be all wrapped up.
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