MOST people did a double take when they walked into the entrance of the church and were greeted by Harry and Meghan.

It sometimes took a second for the penny to drop, and when it did the phones came out and they moved in for a picture with the happy couple.

The six foot cardboard cut outs at St Nicholas’ Church in Durham were not short of company as a steady stream of people lined up to pose for a ‘selfie’.

A sign outside, on a Union Flag background, invited people in to watch the Royal wedding, and many, who were simply passing through the historic Market Place at the right time, dropped in out of curiosity.

Outside, the sun shone brightly, music played and people ambled around the city centre market.

Meanwhile, inside, members of the congregation offered tea, coffee and cake to church regulars, shoppers and tourists alike.

The BBC proceedings were relayed over loud speakers, and the giant screen included text of what was being said, so people could keep up with what was happening.

Images of the arrival of the bride, close ups of the celebrity guests and royal family and that stirring speech by Reverend Michael Curry were enjoyed by hundreds of people as a shared experience.

The church, bedecked in red, white and blue bunting, created an appropriate setting and in some ways it felt like a comfortable and informal extension of St George’s Chapel.

For local people, it offered a unique way to feel part of a national event and what turned out to be a truly original Royal wedding.

For the visitors, from America, Australia, Brazil, Columbia and Canada, who were among the church audience, it is offered a glimpse of pageantry the country is renowned for.

Lynette Yeow, from Hawaii, said: “It was like coming in and seeing a movie. I like the way everyone came together in the church. We do not get that in the US. Everyone was so friendly.

“It was really wonderful.”