Zara Phillips - the young joker who revs up the Royals

The florist had spent the morning arranging a garland of hydrangeas and roses across the lintel of Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk.

The couple are believed to be delaying their honeymoon

He crossed the road and handed a pale yellow rose to Margaret Kittle, 76, from Canada.

She had been camped out overnight and it was her reward for her patience.

Margaret was just one of the 6.500 people who turned out to catch a glimpse of Zara Phillips' wedding.

Spirits were high in the crowd - as they waited for hours with not very much happening.

A coach then came into view, heading down the Royal Mile carrying the first set of guests.

Famous faces started to step off the buses, including Sir Jackie Stewart, the Scottish motor racing legend, Martin Johnston, who coaches the England rugby team and - for the crowd at least - the star attraction, England rugby star Johnny Wilkinson.

At 17, she set out to shock her elders when she flaunted her tongue piercing at Charles’ 50th ­birthday party. She succeeded.

There is nothing stuffy or politically correct about Zara. Unburdened by title, she is a professional sportswoman first, a royal second.

Her new husband may be a force to reckon with on the pitch but at home it is Zara – again, just like her mother – who wears the trousers.”

Tindall’s friend, England rugby captain Lewis Moody, agrees, saying: “The missus is in charge.”

But Zara’s close friend, Kirsty Gallacher, says: “Mike and Zara are brilliant together. She’s so good for him. Obviously, she’s really into sport and he loves the life they lead ­together with the horses and dogs.”

Quiet ceremony in Edinburgh, followed by a reception at Holyroodhouse, mirrors Anne’s second wedding in Scotland 19 years ago.

Dickie says: “I have no doubt that influenced Zara’s decision. She ­really wanted a different wedding to that of Catherine and William. But then she wants – and will lead – a very different life.”

Royal expert Hugo Vickers said: “It was more a celebrity sporting occasion than a royal wedding. It’s not so much that he’s marrying into the Royal Family, than she’s ­marrying out of it.