LONDON - Well-wishers from across the globe woke from a restless night outside London's Westminster Abbey on Friday, hoping for a glimpse of Prince William and Kate Middleton's first magic moments as husband and wife. "I managed to catch a few hours' sleep in a doorway, but I don't mind, today (Friday) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I had to be here," said Canadian Jay Edmonds. As most Britons stirred from the comfort of their beds to the prospect of a day off work to celebrate the most talked about British wedding in decades, hardcore fans camped out along the streets of Westminster were already kicking off the party. Draped in a Union Jack flag, with tufts of white hair poking out from under a Union Jack hat, 77-year-old Terry Hut has spent five days establishing his position at the front of the barriers for his fifth royal wedding appearance. "They will walk in as single people but when they walk out on that pavement, they will be the future king and queen of England," he said. "Even if I can catch a glimpse of the queen or other members of the royal family for a few seconds, that's just magic." Thousands lined the parade route that the newlyweds will take from the abbey to Buckingham Palace, some wearing masks of the happy couple. Tourists wielded their own national flags while women sported tiaras and posh wedding hats ��" one even wore a full wedding dress. "I got dressed up for the occasion, it's a big day," she said, giving her name only as Clara. William, second-in-line to the throne, and Kate have already said thanks for the outpouring of affection this week. The pair will parade between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey after their nuptials to greet hoards of adoring fans. Along the Mall, the avenue which runs up to the palace, Norwegian investment banker Lene Holten, a 28-year-old also getting married this year, was desperate to see Kate's dress ��" the subject of much debate. "I've already bought mine, but I'm looking forward to seeing the dress because there's been so much secrecy," she said. "Kate's really nice, she's closer to the public because she's not royalty. She brings a breath of fresh air to the family."
