A couple today spoke of their delight after the royal seal of approval was given to their wedding.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh met the pair just after they tied the knot yesterday.

During a visit to Manchester Town Hall, the royals were introduced to newlyweds John and Frances Canning, of Prestwich, Greater Manchester, who had booked the venue months ago.

But rather than switching the ceremony date to accommodate the Diamond Jubilee visit, the couple decided to go ahead with their big day.

And to top off a day to remember, the Queen featured in their wedding photographs.

The bride, 44, told The Sun: "The Queen spoke to us by our first names. She said I looked lovely and she wanted to wish us all the best for the future."

Her husband added that he spoke to Prince Philip as photographs were being taken.

"He was a charming fella - for me it was the icing on the cake," he said.

According to the newspaper Mr Canning, 48, jokingly wrote to Buckingham Palace to invite the Queen to the wedding, but received a reply declining the offer.

During her day in Manchester and Salford the Queen visited four hospitals and toured the BBC's new headquarters at MediaCityUK.

Click here to see video of the royal wedding crasher in action.

Frances arrives for her wedding prior to her encounter with the Queen (Julian Sorfleet, PA)