LONDON - One groom wore his ceremonial uniform with his Iraq medal, the other morning dress with an orchid.
Lance Corporal James Wharton, 23, and his new husband enjoyed their first dance in the warrant officers' mess of the most prestigious regiment in the land.
The Household Cavalry, famed for escorting the Queen during state occasions and because it counts both her grandsons among its officers, celebrated its first gay wedding.
Wharton was joined in a civil partnership with his boyfriend, air steward Thom McCaffrey, 21, surrounded by members of Wharton's regiment, the Blues and Royals.
"The entire regiment has been really supportive," he said. "When I went to ask the Squadron Leader for permission to get married, he just said 'This is fantastic, congratulations'.
"The lads joked it was the gay event of the year. Everyone was excited. It was the talk of the barracks. This generation of soldiers is completely liberal," added Wharton.
Just over 10 years ago, gay soldiers faced expulsion from the army.
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A very gay Royal army wedding
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