THE royal wedding on Saturday was one of ‘joy, happiness and fun’ — said West Devon woman Val Bolitho who had a special invitation to the hotly-anticipated event.

Val, chair of Milton Combe Village Hall and a member of Buckland Monachorum Parish Council, received the priceless invite on April 5 by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

She was invited to attend the grounds of Windsor Castle for the wedding thanks to her services to the community.

‘It was a wonderful day — despite problems getting up to Windsor and then, on the day, the taxi dropping us in the wrong place. But with the help of Thames Valley Police, the wonderful stewards and Windsor Castle staff, we made it to the wedding.

‘We saw some of the guests arriving, including the Queen although she was quite a distance from us. The sun shone, the service was a mixture of the traditional and the modern with great music and singing.

‘I was especially delighted by the Gospel Choir singing Stand by Me. It seemed so appropriate and I imagine that it will become quite a standard at future weddings. Meghan’s dress was unadorned but very beautiful and she looked radiant.

‘As the guests were leaving the chapel, we were entertained by the Guards’ Band and a march past of representatives of the various Armed Forces and once it was empty, we were able to go into the Chapel. The whole place smelled of roses.

‘The whole atmosphere of the day was one of joy, happiness and fun.’