LONDON >> With not one, but two kisses and tender whispered words, Prince William and Kate Middleton smiled and blushed yesterday as they started their life as future king and queen. A day of pageantry inspired hopes that this royal couple might live happily ever after.

They appeared at ease throughout their wedding day, with William fighting back giggles at times, while Kate’s smile lit up television screens, especially when her new husband leaned over to say, “You look beautiful.”

Their intimacy stood in sharp contrast to the lack of chemistry between a wooden Prince Charles and Diana Spencer 30 years ago when they began a marriage that ultimately collapsed in embarrassing tabloid headlines and turned many Britons against the monarchy.

A million people lined the procession route from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, many crying with joy. Cheers went up as the couple exchanged the traditional kiss on the balcony, followed by chants of “One more kiss!” The couple waved and smiled and, to a frenzy of delight, obliged.

An estimated 2 billion people tuned in to the live broadcast in what might have been the most viewed event in history.

Earlier in the day, Queen Elizabeth had bestowed upon the couple their first royal wedding pres­ent: the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

“It’s a real turning point for the royal family,” Nicki Hookings, 47, said at one of thousands of street parties across Britain to celebrate the national holiday.