AS I stood with the assembled Press pack yesterday, beaming Eugenie turned to face me and waved in my direction.
I’ve photographed her since the day she was born, when her mother carried her out of The Portland Hospital 28 years ago. It’s been a privilege to watch her flourish from a happy-go-lucky child into a warm and compassionate woman.
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The bride stunned in her emerald and diamond tiara as she exited the chapelCredit: AFP and licensors
So when I caught her eye yesterday, as I stood at Windsor Castle’s Cambridge Gate, I was hit with a wave of emotion.
I was there when she was christened at Sandringham church. I watched her cry with frustration when she first learnt how to ride a horse. I still remember watching her putting on skis for the first time – a tiny tot slipping around in the snow.
Stylish celebs arrive at Royal Wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel
She showed her mettle when, aged 12, she had to undergo a serious operation for her scoliosis.
On the following year’s ski trip she could only stand and watch as her parents and sister Beatrice went off skiing, and my heart broke for her.
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Jack and Princess Eugenie could not hide the grins on their facesCredit: AP:Associated Press
But Eugenie was brave and stoic – and she is still that way today.
She chose a wedding dress with a plunging back to show off her operation scars, because projecting a positive image about her condition is so important to her.
When my granddaughter Katie had to have the same surgery in 2013, I asked Eugenie if she would meet her to offer some advice and support. The Princess didn’t hesitate and arranged to see her before the op.
Her encouragement and advice helped in a huge way. The first thing Eugenie did was to show Katie her scar. She told her: “Be proud of this.”
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Princess Charlotte and brother Prince George joined the bride as bridesmaid and page boyCredit: Rex Features
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The bridesmaids looked adorable in their matching dressesCredit: PA:Press Association
Ask anyone who works for Eugenie and they will tell you that she’s a truly smashing girl.
After her parents divorced when she was six, I asked her mother Sarah if I could take a photo of the three girls.
Sarah said she needed to discuss it with her daughters, and Eugenie’s little voice piped up: “Oh yes Mummy, we’ll do it with Arthur.”
Throughout everything she’s never stopped smiling – and I truly hope that’s the way it will stay now she’s married Jack Brooksbank.
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The bride requested to have a lower back on her dress to show the scars from her childhood surgeryCredit: PA:Press Association
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The pair lovingly kissed eachother as they exited the chapel as man and wife for the first timeCredit: PA:Press Association
I’m told he’s a fantastic man. You could tell just by looking at them that they are deeply in love.
And what a great day for them yesterday – they were given the full royal works.
I wish them all the happiness in the world.
It's funny Char Char
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The princess wore matching earrings to go with her emerald tiaraCredit: Getty - Contributor
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Charlotte had a facepalm momentCredit: PA:Press Association
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Princess Charlotte waved to the crowdsCredit: PA:Press Association
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The young princess looked very excited to be thereCredit: James Whatling
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Cheeky Prince George got up to his usual tricksCredit: AFP and licensors
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Prince George was seen giggling with the other children in the bridal partyCredit: AFP and licensors
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The young prince appeared to puff out his cheeksCredit: AFP and licensors
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Robbie Williams' little girl Theodora took a tumble at one pointCredit: Rex Features
Robbie Williams’ cheeky daughter Theodora makes first public appearance as flower girl at Princess Eugenie’s wedding
Wow! I'm Mrs Brooksbank
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Princess Eugenie was walked down the aisle by her fatherCredit: AFP and licensors
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Almost all senior members of the royal family were in attendance, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan MarkleCredit: Getty - Pool
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The bride looked amazed when she saw what vehicle was waiting for her outsideCredit: AFP and licensors
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The Queen looked radiant in her pale blue outfitCredit: Getty - Pool
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The Duchess of York looked glamorous in her emerald green ensembleCredit: Getty - Pool
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Harry and Meghan held eachother as they waited to enter the chapelCredit: AFP and licensors
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The Duchess of Sussex complemented her sophisticated navy outfit with a simple hat of the same colourCredit: PA:Press Association
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The Duke of Sussex appeared in good spirits as he exited his vehicleCredit: Andrew Parsons
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The Duke of Cambridge was seen placing his hand gently on his wife's backCredit: Reuters
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The Duchess of Cambridge placed her hand on her husband's lap in an unusual public display of affection for the coupleCredit: supplied by Pixel8000
Princess Eugenie wedding - Robbie Williams flouts rules by chewing gum at St George’s Chapel
Celebs
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Former supermodel Naomi Campbell wore a monochrome ensemble to the eventCredit: PA:Press Association
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Tamara Beckwith wore a simple navy dress to witness the nuptualsCredit: PA:Press Association
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Liv Tyler looked sensational in her skirt suitCredit: PA
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Prince Harry's former flame Cressida Bonas chose to wear a bright royal blue gownCredit: Rex Features
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Stephen Fry was accompanied by his husband Elliott SpencerCredit: PA
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Pixi Geldof looked absolutely stunning in her pink gownCredit: PA
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Chelsy Davy, another of Prince Harry's former flames, was in attendanceCredit: PA:Press Association
The Duke of York assisted his daughter with her long trailCredit: PA:Press Association
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The princess was helped into the car after the ceremonyCredit: PA:Press Association
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Crowds cheered as Princess Eugenie kissed her new husband, Jack Brooksbank after they tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at WindsorCredit: Getty - Pool
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Jack and Princess Eugenie's wedding carriage procession was made in the Scottish State CoachCredit: PA:Press Association
