At around the same time a brief document made the short journey from Whitehall down the Mall to Buckingham Palace.

BBC: Queen's Speech goat tradition takes time

Behind the elite runners over 37, 000 started the 32nd staging of the famous race which finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

On the Mall, near Buckingham Palace, umbrellas went up as raindrops fell just as a 60-gun salute began.

CNN: Queen's balcony wave, flyover cap Diamond Jubilee celebrations

The Mall leads from the palace to Trafalgar Square , where the towering Nelson's Column is flanked by huge bronze lions.

CNN: London: What to see

Buckingham Palace recently announced the route, which includes The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square.

BBC: Going to London for the royal wedding

They will be married by the Archbishop of Canterbury before returning to Buckingham Palace in a glass carriage along Parliament Square, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade and The Mall.

BBC: Royal wedding: Pubs to stay open longer

Military marching bands made their way up the Mall after the royals, followed by thousands of spectators hoping to get close to the palace for a glimpse of the royal family on the balcony.

CNN: Queen's balcony wave, flyover cap Diamond Jubilee celebrations